Trailer Bow Ladders

fisherkb · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 4:47 pm Post subject: Trailer Bow Ladders

I was looking at Anna Leigh's very impressive upgrade gallery and noticed a picture of a bow ladder on the her trailer. I really think such a ladder would be a big help for both working on the boat and launching it. I have searched for an after-market ladder (I have an EZ loader tandem trailer) to no avail. Does anyone know where I can get one? Do I need to have it custom fabricated?

thanks,

Karl

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 5:26 pm Post subject:

Karl-

Unfortunately, I think you have to have it custom fabricated.

I've never seen one in a catalogue.

I think there are too many variables from trailer to trailer to make a standard universal fit ladder possible.

I would think you could contact a trailer manufacturer in Texas near you to see if they could make one up for you. There are a lot of trailer manufacturers around. It wouldn't have to be a boat trailer manufacturer, either.

I added a bow ladder to my boat as you can see below. it Works both on the trailer and the shore, then folds up for storage.

Here a link to the discussion of Boarding Ladders, Planks, and Other Projects.

Joe. Teeth

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:05 pm Post subject:

Karl-

Another option is to mount a side boarding ladder like the one below. It comes as a factory option on new boats, but you can get one yourself from most any chandelery such as West Marine and mount it yourself. You can get a second set of attachment hardware catches for the other side of the boat to have dual entrance capability.

Will work fine on the trailer, but not so well on the beach! (At least if you want to keep your feet dry!)

Here's a LINK to the factory web page about these ladders.

Joe. Teeth

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:14 pm Post subject:

Karl-

Just thought it would be nice tp post a photo of David's great trailer mounted ladder and access plank for easy comparison purposes for you and others to think about!

Joe.

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:34 pm Post subject:

The ladder was fabricated out of 2" square stock and 1 1/2 angle for the steps. My neighbor has a complete shop with all kinds of neat tools and welders. It bolts onto the upright on the trailer. We also made to catwalk. I also have a catwalk on the 16 trailer now.

Jazzmanic · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject:

David,

That's one "skinny" boat garage! Wink

Peter

Sneaks · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:12 pm Post subject:

I plagarized Joe and installed the same boat ladder except I put it on the port side and replaced the hinge bolts with removable pins so I could remove and stow the ladder elsewhere. I use it almost exclusively for boarding during launch and exiting during recovery operations. Excellent investment and nothing to run into if I screw up while loading the boat on the trailer.

Don

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:13 pm Post subject:

Yes, although it isn't as skinny as it appears. I usually put it in with about 8 inches clearance on the port side and I then have 2 ft on the starboard side. The length is were I am skinny. The bow sticks our about 3 feet.

Jazzmanic · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:28 pm Post subject:

I'm just messing with you David. Actually, I'm quite jealous. I'd give anything to have a boat garage at my house. Living in the city with no backyard, no sideyards and no big accessible driveway, I'm stuck storing it elsewhere. Cry

Ok, I'll stop whining now. Didn't mean to hijack the thread.

Peter

thataway · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:59 pm Post subject:

I usually set up my trailers so that I can step from the trailer frame, to the top of the tire, to the top of the winch support and up on the boat. Works on both the 25 and 255 --had a similar set up on the 22. But I do like those "bow" ladders. We board over the stern with either the diving ladder on the Tom Cat or on the swim step (non factory) on the CD 25. We also carry a 5 foot ladder in the cockpit of the CD 25 for boarding when we are "boat camping".

Doryman · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:12 am Post subject: Re: Trailer Bow Ladders

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 12:23 pm Post subject:

Here's the EZ Loader ladder on my TC255 Trailer. Very handy...There are more pictures in the Trailers and Towing Pictures section if you want to look at them. It's mounted on the centerline and just bolts to the winch support. Bet they'd sell them separately!!

fisherkb · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:55 am Post subject:

All,

Thanks for the helpful information. I was out of e-mail contact this weekend but I was amazed at all the helpful information provided when I got caught up this morning.

Karl

patrick and linda · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject:

the nomad 25 has probably the best attached step/ladder i've seen, however, my trailer for the c-dory doesn't have the length required for that kind of set up.
each time my wife and i launch our c-dory i risk life and limb, first trying to climb up onto the bow from unhitching the trailer connection and again when i operate the boat onto the trailer, jump off the bow, into the back of the pick up bed so i can attach the winch hook.
way to complicated and at 58 to dangerous.
joe and charlie have the right idea. should not be a difficult weld.
i like the ladder and platform setup, looks great to me but not sure if they are disconnected and stored when not in use or simply welded/bolted to the trailer frame?
thanks for this great idea!
pat

lloyds · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 3:25 pm Post subject:

I have struggled with some of the same stuff. At 61 there are a lot of acrobatic moves I no longer care to try. I have found that if I am launching at a ramp where the transient docks are tall I can wait for the opportunity to back up right next to the dock and can step from the gunnel right to the dock. At those ramps without docks I am screwed. That is why, for my next trailer, I will consider a roller trailer. No need to get so deep in the water. Would probably also install some grating on the trailer to step off the boat onto and walk forward.