Pros and Cons to adding an Aqua Step ladder to Swim Deck?

[Wake Havasu]

I am thinking of adding a ladder to a deck deck.


This one from aquaperformance.com

Would this adversely affect boat performance?

Or Wake making?

Or drag?

Any input would be appreciated.

I am too old and fat and need a ladder!

[Matt Garcia]

Re: Pros and Cons to adding an Aqua Step ladder to Swim Deck?

Originally posted by Wake Havasu
I am thinking of adding a ladder to a deck deck.


This one from aquaperformance.com


Would this adversely affect boat performance?

Or Wake making?

Or drag?

Any input would be appreciated.

I am too old and fat and need a ladder!

Did you mean to say the teak deck? I depends on how low it would hang off the swim step, it may or may not drag. One thing is for sure though if you are going to wakesurf it might interfere with the wake shape.

Also isnt Teak a soft wood, I would be concerned about splitting or cracking?

[Zacky]

I would think it would definately drag, or even possibly get ripped off the back causing damage to the platform. I know my platform is always in the water, even while sitting. The only boat I have ever been on where the platform was out of the water while the boat was sitting was the Malibu.

Why you would need this anyway? Getting out of the water using the platform is much easier than the ladder on our old I/O...

[Zacky]

Another thing. Without a high point to grab hold of, I would think it would be even more difficult to get up than with no ladder at all...

Just throw about 1,500lbs of extra weight in that bad boy and sink the platform a few inches. That will make it easier...

[talltigeguy]

I have a sister who is way, way overweight (and I hope she doesn't read this website) and she loves to come with us. She makes terrific ballast but struggles to get on the platform, too. She has got it down to a Shamu-style-belly roll, but I wish it were easier for her. My parents love to come as well, but don't get into the water because they can't get onto the deck due to age-related arthritis.

Would a rope ladder from the transom handle be something that would help? It would drape over the swimstep and then down into the water. A rope might be harder than the step...

[rushin]

I think it would affect a wake surfing wake. On the other hand under wakeboarding speeds I don't think it would drag. Check it out next time you go out. Look at the distance the platform is off the water. If your platform is fiberglass you may be able to tuck it up under it a little more than with teak.

[CP3]

I'm not sure there would be a spot on the fiber platform where you could screw it in and it would hold the weight.
Also you need something close to grab on to or else its even harder to get up.

[TeamAllen]

I thought about that product for our boat last year. We saw it @ the boat show.. I thought it would be great for my parents as well. We even drove to the factory to check it out. I think it was in Riverside? The way I remember it mounting was using a bracket that went between the slots in the teak. Your boat probably doesn't have the slots since it a newer boat than mine. So forget that. There was a boat show special price. If you decide to buy one and are going to the boat show, just wait a couple of weeks.

I decided not to buy it. I was sitting in the rear seat and I noticed how the water forming the wake uses the swim step in the process. If I put the ladder there, it might alter the shape of the wake on that side. I don't know if that makes sence?

[gman]

Matt,
Teak is definetly a hardwood also known as a heavy wood. It falls in the same classification as Calif. Oak and Black Walnut.

[SummerObsession]

What about a surface mount ladder?
I know I have seen some that mount on the TOP of the plaform/deck that although might be a bit ugly, the would in no way alter wake shape or be in danger of getting ripped off the platform.
I'll see if I can find a pic or a link to one.

[Tequilasun]

I saw this in overton's last night, and thought of this thread.Ladder


Basically there is a small bracket that you could mount, then attach the ladder when needed. It wouldn't be as easy at the one above, but you wouldn't have anything dragging either.

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by draginass
I saw this in overton's last night, and thought of this thread.Ladder


Basically there is a small bracket that you could mount, then attach the ladder when needed. It wouldn't be as easy at the one above, but you wouldn't have anything dragging either.

Great Tip!

This could be mounted in such a fashion that would allow removal of the ladder when not being parked!

[Tequilasun]

Wake Havasu

Check the latest Overton's they have a couple of other options that were similar.

[chpthril]

Wake,
I was wondering if you ever decided on a ladder, I am going to put one on this 'off season'. I've got a fiberglass platform and figure I will have to fab a bracket or two.

I like the step that you have post.

Thanks.

[dogbert]

Sounds like an application for hydraulics. Why mess with ladders? Why not mount the whole swim platform to some hydraulics that can raise and lower it as needed. Imagine if you could drop the whole thing 6"-8" under water and then raise it back up again when you're boarding?

It probably wouldn't be cheap tho