Installing a transom mounted ladder.....

[thwack]

What's the best way to install a ladder that mounts to the transom? The live well is on the other side,but no chance of screwing into it. Can I just screw into the transom or do I need to pull the livewell and thru bolt the bracket? It's a small lightweight ladder, also whats the best sealant to use to keep it from leaking, thanks.

[CFISHN]

What's the best way to install a ladder that mounts to the transom? The live well is on the other side,but no chance of screwing into it. Can I just screw into the transom or do I need to pull the livewell and thru bolt the bracket? It's a small lightweight ladder, also whats the best sealant to use to keep it from leaking, thanks.

YOU will need to TRU BOLT IT WITH LARGE WASHERS ON THE IN SIDE !

3M 5200
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=3m+5200+fast+cure+marine+sealant&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&prmd=ivns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=983&bih=600&wrapid=tlif130936825606210&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3253288121701676542&sa=X&ei=iWMLTvDMHuHw0gHhr6SNAQ&ved=0CGkQ8wIwAw#

[BamaRob33037]

I have an 1800 and recently mounted a ladder, grab rail/handle (from Dive N Dog) and folding step (SS from Sea Dog or others) and found it much better to BOLT thru the transom. As you mentioned, there is plenty of room between the transom and live well to access the back for washer/nut. As the odds of a bolt (hex, pan or oval head, #12-5/16" dia) and a SS washer (prefer a fender, 1"-1.5") and SS self-locking nut VS ANY screw type, size, or material coming lose, falling out or shearing off are greatly in favor of the THRU mount method.

I would just be careful not to use a male stud mounted item. As most are 2" stud mounts and very few places on the Seachaser transom are thin enough for a 2" stud, washer and nut! As for sealing, there are several methods or types. Mostly based on the hardware used...as some sealants are corrosive/oxidize certains metals (aluminum especially). Just make sure you use a thread lock on bolts into nut plates or self locking nuts...as it helps to keep unexpected surprises or delays during your boating experiences!!! LoL However, as long as you keep you THRU hole as small as possible, you can (normally) use a quality sealant, marine grade (below waterline or aquarium grade) silicone sealants. Place in hole prior to inserting bolt, placing your finger on hole inside access panel. As to force sealant to stay in hole, so as you push bolt in hole (from outside), it will force the sealant to cover & surround bolt. You may even wish to turn bolt slightly, as to ensure thread coverage. By placing your finger on backside, helps ensure thread coverage but, mostly that the sealant completely fills & bonds the bolt & transom via the sealant. As often, people only cover bolt threads or put in hole. So either the sealant is pushed out the back (if you dont place your finger over hole in back) or the threads are only covered and not filling the complete hole cavity, thus leaving air and chance for leakage later.

The backside finger method also will force an amount of sealant out the front thus, helpings seal/bond mounted item to transom as desired. Using a silicone sealant, will also help later. If for some reason your mounted item needs to be removed. As the silcone will not destroy your Gel coat, paint when removed. Just make sure you clean the area around the hole to remove any wax or similar coatings, as to ensure proper adhesion of silicone. Which also creates a so-called gasket on the outside.

I also suggest that you immediately mount and tighten down all sealed hardware before the sealant "skins" over but, not so tight to completely... squeezing all the sealant out the front. After the sealant as properly cured, 24-72 hours...based on circumstances, completely torque all mounting hardware to properly specifications or desired levels.

I hope this helps and I didn't seem to detailed. I just wish to be thorough as I don't know your level of such modifications or engineering.

[OBX Hokie]

Great response bamarob.

Not to be flippant, but I just followed the directions on the swim platform. I made sure I had long enough SS bolts for the thru transoms and 5200'd the heck out of everything. (Including my fingers, as usual.)

[Riverboat35]

I just installed an Armstrong 4 step Dive Ladder with the swing bracket. The swing bracket is a bolt-through deal. I put a 2 inch spacer made of Starboard to create the necessary clearance for the ladder to swing up in the 'up' position for storage. This set-up creates a small footprint on the transom. I have been out twice now with it tubing with my 10 year old daughter, and she can climb it easily to get back in my 2180 dlx. It's the best upgrade I've done so far, and I now have a little peace of mind knowing I have a ladder to get my fat butt back in the boat if I ever fall overboard!