Boat

[Big A]

This one's not 4 rungs, but a good illustration that you don't necessarily need that many in a shallow draft boat. The one above with mounted cleats would of course be more stable, but something like this will be fine as long as everybody is aware that it can move on them.

http://www.belugamarine.com/Bass-Boat-Ladder-38-554-829-00.htm

[ceyko]

I don't go swimming much, but if it's mid summer and I know I'll be jumping in to cool off while I'm fishing. I just take the top section of a swimming pool ladder. It has 3-4 runs on one side and just enough on the other side to hook over the boat and it folds up.

Not a bad idea, another option to research at least. Thanks.

[ceyko]

See that one is nice, but I don't think the mounting system will work. Needs to hook or be tied to a cleat, since I do not have anywhere to mount those mounting cups. Although, the more I read and guesstimate things. I may have to rig something up to hook inside the boat anyway - just to be safe. Am still researching, but eventually will bite the bullet on something and make it work. Just looking for first hand experience mainly from folks, which is easier said than done.

[krazy kris]

I don't go swimming much, but if it's mid summer and I know I'll be jumping in to cool off while I'm fishing. I just take the top section of a swimming pool ladder. It has 3-4 runs on one side and just enough on the other side to hook over the boat and it folds up.

[Big A]

Here's a folder that might work for you, 4 rungs, and easier to stow.

http://www.eternalboating.com/4-step-folding-pontoon-ladder-asc-4

[Big A]

You don't want a rope ladder, easier to stow, but they are awkward to climb. The boys may have fun with it for a while, but you or the wife won't like it at all.

As low as your boat sits, I don't think that you'd necessarily need 4 rungs, but it certainly wouldn't hurt if you have room to stow it.

[ceyko]

This looks like a nice one

http://www.amazon.com/Marine-Aluminu...618976&sr=1-14

Appreciate it. Am finding ones with reviews and trying to get them to respond if they've used the various ladders on a similar boat.

[white88]

This looks like a nice one

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Marine-Aluminum-Gunwale-Boarding-Ladder/dp/B00A3ELKB6/ref=sr_1_14?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1363618976&sr=1-14[/ame]

[ceyko]

It would, but I THINK it needs to be a 4 step ladder. I did play with that one in store, and it was very fragile feeling.

[white88]

Would a ladder like this work on your boat?

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_11009_-1?kwid=ps_pla

[ceyko]

Yeah, so dug the first trip out. Question, what boat ladder would be recommended for a boat like this one? I saw some transom mount ones ranging from 100-200 dollars - but I'd rather stow whatever I'm using and also have it be mounted on the sides (gunwales).

It was windy as heck Saturday, but still fun. Forgot all about sunscreen though.

Edit: Just for a visual, this is just about how high it sits...



Thought a rope ladder type may work, but would probably be hell for most people to use. Just don't have direct experience with the others and the various forums are iffy too on what to use.

[ceyko]

Heck ya, congrats on the new boat, we will be setting up a Lake gtg this summer. hope you can make it out.

I'll keep an eye out for it, that's for sure!

[silverranger]

I wanted to thank y'all for the various tips and advice. Some of y'all even provided some great deals on some used boats, but my tow vehicle is not all that great so I I stuck with a smaller aluminum boat.

Today I'm picking it up, it's a 2012 Lowe FM 165 which was posted earlier. I'll be taking it to Lake Lewisville early Sat morning with the kids and a buddy.

It's not a baller boat, but from I could tell it's about percentages. I lose the same percentage on this boat in 3-4 years if we don't use it (thinking we will though) as I would a bigger bad ass boat - just paying less so the actual amount lost is less. Plus, it seems like a good beginner boat. If after 6-7 years, we use it a lot. May save the pennies and see about upgrading.

Boater ed is done. I'd recommend referring anyone you know who is new - to go do that. It's free and covers a LOT of what you all mentioned too. Then a lot of little things (i.e. Don't laugh, but I new port vs starboard -but did not know what stern, bow, bilge, gunwale and so forth were). Little boring, but worth the time for a new person. (From what I hear, a lot of people could use it who are currently boating)

Assuming my Honda Pilot does not get stuck in the boat ramps, should just be a matter of getting out there and doing it now.

Again though, learned a lot from y'all in this thread and helped me determine a lot of different things. Thank you!

Heck ya, congrats on the new boat, we will be setting up a Lake gtg this summer. hope you can make it out.

[ceyko]

I wanted to thank y'all for the various tips and advice. Some of y'all even provided some great deals on some used boats, but my tow vehicle is not all that great so I I stuck with a smaller aluminum boat.

Today I'm picking it up, it's a 2012 Lowe FM 165 which was posted earlier. I'll be taking it to Lake Lewisville early Sat morning with the kids and a buddy.

It's not a baller boat, but from I could tell it's about percentages. I lose the same percentage on this boat in 3-4 years if we don't use it (thinking we will though) as I would a bigger bad ass boat - just paying less so the actual amount lost is less. Plus, it seems like a good beginner boat. If after 6-7 years, we use it a lot. May save the pennies and see about upgrading.

Boater ed is done. I'd recommend referring anyone you know who is new - to go do that. It's free and covers a LOT of what you all mentioned too. Then a lot of little things (i.e. Don't laugh, but I knew port vs starboard -but did not know what stern, bow, bilge, gunwale and so forth were). Little boring, but worth the time for a new person. (From what I hear, a lot of people could use it who are currently boating)

Assuming my Honda Pilot does not get stuck in the boat ramps, should just be a matter of getting out there and doing it now.

Again though, learned a lot from y'all in this thread and helped me determine a lot of different things. Thank you!

[shumpertdavid]

? how hard would it be to build a swim platform? I wanted a boat with one and this one doesn't have one. Anyone ever done it or want to help out?

I've considered this on mine, but with it being an in\out the hump in the center would make it kind of pointless. It'd be nice to have a better way to strap the board on when in the boat other than it laying across my engine cover. The beginners seem to find it easier to strap in out of the water.