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I'm planning on installing a swim ladder to the starboard side transom on my 15 footer. Due to the shape of the transom, conventional swim platform, or even the custom folding 2 step type I installed on my 13 footer won't fit. However I found online a folding 3 step dive/swim ladder I think will work;
http://www.garelick.com/ Telescoping-Stain-Less-Steel-Sport-Diver-Ladder-Platfo-Rm-Mount
Looking at the wood locating diagram for the 15 footer I see a piece of 1/2", 5"x7" plywood on that side of the transom that I think would be an ideal attaching point for this ladder. I would have to make a custom aluminum attachment point as the ladder is intended to be screwed to a swim platform.
One thing though, the notes on the wood locating diagram states the wood on the transom at that location was put into hulls S81255 and after. My boat is a 1986. hull number 5B0471. Does my hull fit into that scheme?

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http://www.garelick.com/Telescoping-S...o-Rm-Mount

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Looks like a pretty good idea Rich!

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Does anyone have this ladder mounted on their Whaler? I'm wondering because the way the ladder is angled out there would be a fair amount of leverage on the point of attachment. How much can the whaler transom handle?

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Rich -

Not to digress but have you considered contacting Ray Martin? He does custom swim/steps for whalers.

Something like this?
http://s33.photobucket.com/user/Marti...=3&o=1

He does really good work.

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Thing is there is not much wood in the transom of a 15 ft Whaler except for the flat part that holds the outboard, As far as the wood location diagram, there is a piece of 1/2" plywood 5"x7" located on the starboard side of the motor cutout for a sternlight. So that means that the wood is on the interior side, which would work if you through bolted a bracket on the outside.

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wing, after thinking about it I believe you are right. scratch that off.

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I'll tell you, Binkie, Since I've started boating in Lake Michigan in the summer time with its cold water, I've investigated every possible way of getting back into the boat should I find myself in the water. I've decided the swim platform made by Ray Martin is the best approach. I have both the Garelick inflatable boarding ladder and the C-level, both of which rated highest for the Boston Whaler Montauk in a test by Boat/US but the drawback of each is that they have to be deployed. I like the idea of the platform being there all the time, ready to use.

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I agree, a conventional swim platform is the way to go. Or even just a collapsible ladder bolted to the stern like I built on my 13 footer works well. but the 15 footer has an odd shaped transom. and no wood backing outside the motor area. No conventional ladder I've come across will work. I always think outside the box, but this one is keeping me awake nights, Am I a pioneer on this project? I really thought someone would have one on their 15 foot Whaler. I feel eventually I'll come up with something that will work and looks good. Back in the day I would have no problem boosting myself over the low freeboard of a 15 footer, but those days are gone forever, I guess I should join a jym and get strong.

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Do you have contact info for Ray? We just bought an 1988 super sport limited mad that ladder would be a back saver! I spent the day yesterday hauling kids into the boat after tubing!!!

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Wing, I read the BOAT.US article. One that rated highly throughout was the "Platismo Ladder". I purchased one (courtesy of the information). It ties into place and those entering the boat deploy it themselves by pulling on a release cord. I fish by myself at times and have no room for a platform on my boat. I also prefer to stay away from the propellers.

Garris

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Garris, I have the C-Level ladder secured to my side rail and a Garelick Inflatable ladder tied to my aft starboard lifting eye. I fish alone mostly in Lake Michigan in the summer and having just turned 70 I'm worried about my stamina in 60 degree (at the warmest) water. I tested the C-level last year and am able to get into the boat with it though it ain't easy because the ladder is basically a strap. I think you were right in choosing a. ladder with stiff rungs and that's why I bought the Garelick buts since I haven't tested it yet I'll keep both aboard till I find which works best for me. I don't worry about the prop because when the engine is running I'm wearing the kill switch cord.

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Wing, I am salt water drift/troll/anchor. I really looked into a gunwale mount (1979 22ft Revenge) with the stainless extendable's but the logistics for permanent (or semi permanent) mounting and not having it bang around when under way were difficult. The "Platismo" was my best solution because I could go full throttle with it in place. I altered the original stainless layout for my boat and attach it between my walk though (similar lay out as the Montauks between the fore and aft rail system). I believe you were the one who introduced the BOAT.US article (if not you, thank you to whomever). Thanks so much for the reference. I have been carrying around a folding over gunwale system but what good is a deploying ladder when no one is in the boat to put it in place.

Garris