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Dear Sir,

I just bought a new 15' whaler from the commercial whaler factory.
This is the same hull as the 15' whalers built in 1980's.
I want to add a swim ladder to the back of this boat.
Can you advice me which type of ladder to use and how to mount it to the hull.

Thank you and best regards,
Edward

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Edward,

Congrats on your purchase and welcome. On our 15 ss we never were able to find a ladder that worked out well. Tended to just use the motor as a step.

However, later on our Montauk we added one that was a side mount and it worked out well but it would REALLY keel over when a big guy (#250) like me you try and climb in. I can only imagine what it would do to a 15'. Have a look maybe it would spark something for you...

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/dads%20whaler/DSCN0055low.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/dads%20whaler/DSCN0056low.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/dads%20whaler/DSCN0057low.jpg[/img]

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Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the info.
I really appreciate it.
However, I would prefer to use a telescopic ladder, which I would mount on the transom next to the engine.
Do you think that it's possible? Can I use machine screws, is there any plywood or phenolic material on the left or right side of transom?

By the way, I am thinking of mounting a 90HP Yamaha 2 stroke engine to the boat, since this engine fits the maximum weight capacity of this boat. Max. allowed is same as 90HP Yamaha engine weight. 264lbs = 119kg
We don't have any regulation against overpowering boats so that will not be a problem. Do you think that this is a smart move or would you go with a smaller engine? If so which engine do you recommand?


Cheers,
Edward

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Edward,

There is no real wood back there so you would have to thru bolt through the transom. And always use Stainless Hardware.

Here is a link to the wood location diagram for the 15.
http://www.whalercentral.com/download...?cat_id=12

As for the motor. I know you could hang a 90 on the stern these 15's however I would recommend against it. Our 15 ss had a 75 Merc 4 cylinder on it and that was more than enough. It would put a skier out with 3 people on board. And the 75 would get that hull going so fast it would begin to chine walk out of control. If you did not know how to handle the boat when this happened it would end up being a disaster. So, if you put a 90 on the boat I would only let yourself pilot the boat as the risks of a unknowledgeable driver getting into trouble with the boat would be great.

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Jeff, Dont know if message got through second attempt. What brand of ladder is this and type of mounting hardware? Will it work on 68 nausett?