Question about factory swim step.

[catdogcat]

I'm thinking about ordering a new factory swim step. Can anyone tell me if the ladder swings 90 degrees to be parallel with the water flowing past it? Say you use the ladder to climb out of the water, forget to fold it up and leave it in the down position, you then hit the gas full throttle while the ladder is still in the water. Would the ladder break off or would it swing upwards parallel to the water rushing by?

[Swee Pea]

The factory swim step ladder does not swing freely as you might think. The ladder (I switched from a 2 rung to a 3 rung) stores under the platform. Each rung slides under the next. Then they pivot and store under the platform. There is a buckle/nylon strap that holds the folded ladder up under the platform. To use, unhook the strap, pull/slide the rungs out and down. To retract, the rungs are pushed up on an angle, one under each other, then pivot up and under the platform.

This is the best description I can give. the ladder will stay down and stationary when under way.

John
Swee Pea

[Alyssa Jean]

I don't think there is enough surface area and drag to break anything. You will know if you left it down , because of the drag that they do produce. I have had to stop a number of times and put them up just after getting under way.

[catdogcat]

Thanks guys, the reason I ask is that I now have a ladder that attaches to the side of the boat. I always seem to forget to pull it up and have broken it twice.

[Sea Wolf]

Catdogcat-

Here's a simple suggestion;

Get a plastic clamp (the big Stanley type that works like a clothes pin), and put it with the ladder in storage.

When you deploy the ladder over the side, out the clamp on your steering wheel to remind you the ladder's down.

To proceed......etc.

Joe.

[catdogcat]

Ha, good idea!