Pontoon Boat Swim Ladder Installation

Today we're installing the Heavy Duty Folding Aluminum Swim Ladder from PontoonStuff.com. This ladder can be installed as shown in the video to be removable, and could also be bolted to the rear of a boat as a permanent ladder off the back of the pontoon. Check out Pontoon Stuff to shop for this ladder.
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[@Bennydyk]

Your videos are awesome!! They're so informative and make me feel like I'm capable of anything. Thanks so much for posting your wealth of knowledge!!!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks! Happy to help out our fellow pontoon lovers out there!!

[@faronmastin8683]

Thanks for the video I have a ladder but didn't know how to install it. Didn't come with the hardware.

[@tomspontoons]

Did you get the ladder from PontoonStuff? Feel free to shoot me an email. I’ll see if I can help! [e-mail]

[@chrislebhar8375]

Do you have to worry the pontoon getting dented from having all the weight going into those two small touchpoints?

[@tomspontoons]

Of the dozen of boats I've worked on with this style ladder I've never seen an issue with denting or damage to the pontoons other than some scuffing or wear on the aluminum, nothing more than just rubbing the surface though.

[@chrislebhar8375]

@@tomspontoons thank you! I'll probably end up ordering one. I'm having issues securing anchors for a detachable ladder on a 2000 Crest because I can't use a washer on the screws due to the frame tubing. Think this ladder might work?

[@tomspontoons]

@@chrislebhar8375good old Crests making it hard to mount anything near the crossmembers! I’ve seen the tube style side ladders work well with just screws holding the mounting hardware, I always prefer a washer wherever possible, but not always possible. Even one washer out of two or three will last far longer!

[@sm0k525]

Any videos on how to install an under deck ladder?

[@tomspontoons]

I've installed a couple, but it was before the channel started. I will definitely do a video if we get to install one again in the near future. It's a pretty straight forward installation, and one of the sturdiest ladders you can have on a pontoon.

[@sm0k525]

@@tomspontoons thanks for the reply. Obviously my tune will be on the trailer when I put the ladder up. I just can’t think of a good way to hold the ladder in place while I pin it up. Do you have any suggestions for that? Thank you.

[@tomspontoons]

@@sm0k525 Depending on the type of crossmember you have I likely would be using a bunch of clamps in a variety of places so that I could get everything held up while I install. Measuring out where your holes need to be drilled in the ladder based on your crossmember spacing is huge too. That way when you get it clamped up to the boat you can mark where the crossmembers need to be drilled too quickly and efficiently. There can be a few mock-ups and removals during the install, but hopefully just a couple if you take your time to plan it out a little.

[@drodNY]

When you remove the portable ladder, does the door clear the brackets in order to close?

[@tomspontoons]

Great question…yes. Because of the fence risers under the railings it will swing clear of them!

[@rperdue99]

@@tomspontoons My question as well - do you happen to know the height of those brackets? I want to make sure my door will clear before I order the ladder. Called pontoonstuff and they did not have that info available.

[@tomspontoons]

@@rperdue99 they're 9/16" sitting on a table...so once sunk into the carpet or vinyl probably 1/2". I've never had a problem with a door clearing them when using a lift hinge.

[@rperdue99]

@@tomspontoons You’ve never seen me install a lift hinge 😂 Great info as always, much appreciated!!

[@chuckyost6973]

Couldn't help notice you didn't compensate for the thickness of the Rub Rail when you installed anchor points. My Rub Rail protrudes slightly over 1/2".

[@tomspontoons]

Great observation Chuck! The rub rail for this boat (and most boats for that matter) was only about 1/8” thick, which didn’t impact the fit nor function of the ladder. Usually run rails end up against the edge of the plywood, making that space insignificant. I haven’t seen one that overhangs as far as your saying yours does

[@chuckyost6973]

@@tomspontoons Granted, I have an old Crest with a rubber inserts in the rail. I started over from cross-members and pontoons and using the old Rub Rails (because full span rails are hard to find or really expensive!) I watch you pretty closely because I'm refitting with Pontoon Stuff stuff. It wasn't meant so much as a criticism as an observation. I'm still a fan!!

[@tomspontoons]

I didn't take it negatively in any way! In fact questions, comments, and observations are great because it gives us the chance to explain things further from the videos that hopefully other folks can learn from too....so thank you for commenting!! If there's anything you ordered for your boat that you'll be installing that you want to see installed be sure to let us know.

[@weathersjason]

Where do boaters store the ladder When not in use ?

[@tomspontoons]

Usually in a corner where there’s some open floor space. Otherwise I’ve seen them hooked and secured on the rear railing outside of the boat.

[@BBKConstruction]

Is that a Milwaukee bit in a Dewalt impact? Who raised you?

[@tomspontoons]

It’s pretty clear which tools we prefer to use…but once in a while you just have to get the job done and don’t get to pick the bit!