Boarding Ladder For A Bass Boat Anyone??!

[Dean G.]

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a ladder that works with bass boats.  There are a few spots that I can park, jump into the river and swim around a bit.  Getting back into the boat is a bit of a challenge.  Any recommendations?!  Here's what i'd be putting the ladder on:

 

 

[slonezp]

There are a few different brands that mount to jackplates. I think one is called E Ladder and another called Twist Step

[martintheduck]

Quick googling rendered a good idea - might be good to get a storable ladder... one where you don't have to actually mount anything. something like this: http://compare.ebay.com/like/110261198466?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

[KU_Bassmaster.]

There are a few different brands that mount to jackplates. I think one is called E Ladder and another called Twist Step

 

I have this.  Haven't used it though.  I am glad this got brought up.  I have had it on for 3 years now and I have yet to use it (Good thing), but I need to test it out in the summer months.  Just in case I go for a solo swim in cold water.

[Dean G.]

Gents,

Thanks for the input! Unfortunately I don't have a jackplate and mounting that twist step wouldn't work for me, which is too bad because it looks like a good little boarding ladder. The windline ladders may be more my style, but for $120... geez! I appreciate the help fellas!

[slonezp]

Don't forget. In an emergency situation, you can step on the motor and use the electric trim switch on the motor to help you get back in the boat.

[J Francho]

Don't forget. In an emergency situation, you can step on the motor and use the electric trim switch on the motor to help you get back in the boat.

 

I was just going to post this.

[tnriverluver]

Climbing up the outboard works fine and is pretty easy.  Just make sure to do it most of the time when the motor isn't running.  I had to do it twice in about an hours time when fishing and falling out of my Stratos with a 200 GT into 45 degree water (Brrrrrrrrrrrrr that hurt).  I was having leg trouble due to a back injury at the time.  When we had a ski boat years ago we used a ladder that hung over the side and I found even then climbing up the outboard (115 Tower of Power) was easier for me.

[Long Mike]

I have this mounted to the stern of my boat.  It's a Tracker TV-18. I've never had to use it, and hope I never will.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Folding-Ladder-Universal-Mount/product/803/

[martintheduck]

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Sea-Dog-Emergency-Boarding-Ladder-5-Step&i=81167&r=view&aID=601K1&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlebase&s_kwcid=googlepla&cvsfa=2587&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3831313637&cID=SHOPPING_81167 - just buy this and loop it over a cleat

[CxThree]

Good thread.  I am fairly new to boating and have been thinking about putting something like this on my boat in case I fell out of it.  I love the tip about the motor and trim switch.  I never thought of that at all.  I thought about climbing the motor, but the trim switch would surely help.

 

I imagined something like a rope ladder you would mount and keep tied up at the back of the boat where you could reach up and untie it in a time of need.  Not sure if they make anything like that or if it would be worth it.  I have seen a few bass boats on the water with ladders, so I am sure plenty of people have been through this decision. 

[BuckMaxx]

I climb my motor all the time. That's the way I get back in. I usually wait for my co fisherman to turn his back before bailing in for a cool off. Always good for a laugh.

[CxThree]

I found this one online last night and think this is the one I am going to get.

 

http://thebassboatladder.com/

[Dean G.]

These are all great ideas, thanks fellas!

[ingedata]

I came accross this website to read more info on this great product: http://www.nauticexpo.com/boat-manufacturer/boat-ladder-20735.html