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swimladder replacement

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 5:22 pm
by Aries
I need to replace the swim ladder and do not just want to run the screws out as I do not know if there is a threaded backing plate or if the ladder is just screwed into the bottom step. Anyone out there that have done this and can provide some insight?
Many thanks
Ben Naude
SV Anne Bonny

Re: swimladder replacement

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2017 9:59 am
by thinwater
On the PDQ 32 there is a 1/4" x 2" x 4" threaded aluminum backing plate on each side. The backing plate is not glassed in and may fall when the bolts are removed. Access on the 32 is pretty horrible but possible. I don't know about the 36.

I would visually check the backside. Somethings were changed from boat-to-boat.

Can you leave the brackets and replace or repair just the ladder? It is just pinned.

(I had to remove and reposition the ladder when I stretched my boat.)

Re: swimladder replacement

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2017 10:14 am
by Allie-May
Unfortunately I can't answer your question. I know my ladder is not original and I can see where the old mount holes were filled in as they must not have matched the new ladder brackets. I just replaced my backstay chainplates and the washers/nuts were not glassed in. This required me to install a 4" deck plate for access on both transoms. There should be an access plate in your rudder compartment for access to the water tight area of the transom. I'd recommend sticking a camera on a stick into that hole while its recording video. Perhaps you can see the underside.

My 36 is hull 19 (1992), obviously things changed between boats.

Re: swimladder replacement

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2017 2:00 pm
by Aries
Thanks for the replies, once I started to take the first screw out it looked like a bolt type of tread rather than self tapping screw so I turned it back in.
BTW the old ladder is toast and has been flagged as a safety item in the recent survey.
James I will try your video suggestion, where did you place the access covers? on one of the steps?
Thanks
Ben

Re: swimladder replacement

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2017 3:46 pm
by thinwater
If it is a telescoping ladder, you may be able to find one that will work with the brackets you have. It might be worth the hunt.

Re: swimladder replacement

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:35 pm
by Allie-May
I went with a 4" non-skid deck plate on the second step up. I can reach the inside of the chainplates, ladder, and handrail this way.

Re: swimladder replacement

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:33 pm
by Aries
I just installed a 4" access port on the vertical plane above the first step, now have access and can replace the old swim ladder, I did try to source a similar swim ladder but this is a 97 vintage boat and did not find anything that looked worth trying. Luckily my backstay chainplates are in good nick but if I need access to the backing plates of the port one it is now also available.
Thanks all for helping

Ben