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

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by 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.

I never did.

It's not all that hard for a guy to get up on the swim step.

[chpthril]

Like this?

[Moki]

Tige Tailgate Lift

I think this is what you are looking for...

[dogbert]

Sort of, but without the chains (we don't need no stinkin' OSHA compliance on our boats).

It could work similar to the adjustable motor mounts on the fancy outboard fishing boats (see pic below).

What I really had in mind was hydraulics that extended downward from the back of the boat. There's a little lip on mine where the swim platform attaches to the transom. I've seen inboards with a larger extension. Why not have the 3 mounts attach to 3 hydraulic pistons that retract back into the boat? That way it would look clean and you probably couldn't tell it was there. Not sure how I would get my FAE on there.


From what I understand, the RZ-2 has ballast right at the transom. Perhaps that's the answer. Just lower the back by filling it with water.

[Moki]

Dogbert, that would be pretty nice, but I think that you are right, you would either have to choose the hydraulic platform or the FAE.

[Tequilasun]

Why not drag a parachute below the water? It would suck the transom down, and you could catch carp too!

[Ruune]

Why on earth would you need a ladder? I mean, the platform its about water level anyways.

[Tequilasun]

Ruune:

We bring people on the boat who like to swim, but just don't have the physical ability to pull themselves back on the boat.

Usually they claw at the swim platform for awhile until someone helps them up. It is always a great relief to them when I show them the grab bar.

[Ruune]

this should save your transom from claw marks, and prevent any unsightly additions to underneath the platform...

http://www.cyber-bridge-marine.com/b...pe-ladder.html

Just attach it to the grabrail, and you're set!

[chpthril]

Originally posted by Ruune
this should save your transom from claw marks, and prevent any unsightly additions to underneath the platform...

http://www.cyber-bridge-marine.com/b...pe-ladder.html

Just attach it to the grabrail, and you're set!

I bought one similar to that early this season. After trying it out a couple of times, I found that when you start to climb up, your feet swing all the way up under the swim platform. I'ts harder than just climbing up. Oh, Ve's don't have grab handles eather. which makes it evan harder to climb abaord.

I'm like Tequilasun, I bring all sorts of people out just to have fun on the water.

I think if you mounted a ladder underneath the platform, in the center, it will not effect the wake, or be unsightly.

[Moki]

If Shamu can do it....



Seriously, I agree that there are people that would really appreciate a better way to get back in the boat. After skiing for a long time (3 turns), I find myself sometimes doing the Shamu move to get back in.

[BrentRR]

Maybe what would work well is a shorter version of that rope ladder. Just long enough to get one foot or knee on to be able to leverage a leg to better get ahold of the grab handle. Moki is right about struggling sometimes after a long run, especially early in the season.

[dogbert]

Originally posted by Moki
If Shamu can do it....



Seriously, I agree that there are people that would really appreciate a better way to get back in the boat. After skiing for a long time (3 turns), I find myself sometimes doing the Shamu move to get back in.

LOL, that could be an advantage when wakesurfing. Just add shamu to your ballast on the swim platform and you'll have a monster surfwake!

[Moki]

That's funny!

Hey it's Alvie in a Tuxedo!

[Moki]

Still laughing!