180cc ready to install swim platform help needed

[Deleted]

Have the ladder/swim platform, bolts, nuts etc. Ready to go but one problem---- Have no way to get to the inside of the transom behind the live well to put the backing plate and nuts on the bolts. I don't like it but I will probably have to go with screws to mount ladder. I see there are many pictures of ladders/platforms on the 180cc so the must be a logical way to put it on. Are screws ok???

Thanks
Sandy

[T-Topless]

Have SS through bolts, large SS wasters and SS lock nuts (with 5200 )on my 2000, but the newer 2006 doesn't seem to have the same bilge access.

Screws probably won't hold.

[Deleted]

Thanks T-Topless -- Guess I am going to have to put in an access plate. About the only thing I can think of. Hate putting big holes in my boat.

[CaptWoody]

I mounted one on my 170CC. I cut a 4 inch hole behind the livewell and covered it with an access plate. It was easy to do, looks good, and provided great access. Be careful not to cut into the livewell.
Do be aware the transom may not be soild in all areas. My lower screws hit an unexpected void. You can find the voids by tapping and listening. Apparenly it is designed this way to make it lighter. The hollows are symmetrical and in non structural areas.

PS mount it as high as possible or it may be below the surface at rest.

[Deleted]

Thank you Captwoody. I think that is my only alternative.

[CaptWoody]

For those bolts on top use fender washers. The bottom can be heavy screws. Be sure to use screws with threads all way to the head if you are going into a thin area. Be sure to coat them with 3M 5200 sealer.

[IguanaBait]

I also have a 180cc and I am currently looking for a ladder. It looks like the swimming platform is the more popular choice but I'm not willing to cut a hole through the livewell. Is there another way and by chance does anyone have an estimate on how much it cost to have a ladder installed?

[acdaddy0]

I added a 4" access port to get to a leaky fitting behind port side live well but this will give access to upper swim ladder backing bolts as well! Screws should be fine on the lower mounts but through bolts on uppers are ideal as that's where all the pulling out stress is. Is nice to have access to that area! Also allowed me to install plumbing for trim tabs.

[IguanaBait]

I never thought about that, the access port looks awesome. Did you do that work yourself or pay someone else to do it and if you don't mind how much did it cost around? I was thinking about putting some type of block in the hull to screw the ladder into so all the strain isn't just on the points where the screws are.

[CaptWoody]

You don't cut a hole in the live well, you cut the hole aft of the livewell and then install an access plate, as shown above. Cost of plate is $10 to $20. You can cut the hole with a saber saw but a hole saw on a drill is best.
I've not tried the blind fasteners, they may work well, but I just like the idea of a large backer plate. There is a lot of pressure on those bolts when a 200 lb person stands on that platform.

[acdaddy0]

I did it myself. I used a jig saw and a drill. A 4" hole saw is better but didn't have one that big , acces port cost me $8.00 at west marine. Easy to do. Thru bolts at the top with aluminum or stainless backing washers and nuts is best at the top bolts where the ladder is trying to pull out wards with load on ladder. The bottom can be screws as the ladder is pushing against transom with load. Put sealant on fasteners when you put them in. I won't put wood anything in my sea pro boat!

[yolo]

This may be a terrible stupid question. But considering were fishermen and the boats go 50/50 fishing and pleasure (with about 15% being swimming) here is a reccomend

www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--portable-gunwale-mount-boarding-ladders--P005_158_001_525

Simple, easy, can store very easily, and actually easier (in my opinion) than using the mounted swim ladder becuase there are more steps and get you to the top of the boat.

[freezerfiller]

Those work fine... as long as you don't fall off your boat! shark

[yolo]

lol well if us captains fall off our boats, number one! and then cant get back on it without a ladder then i think we should be worrying about a new hobby rather than putting on a ladder.

[Simple Man]

Don't be a girl thingy (aka p u s s y). Get your ass out of the water and back on the skis....


Seriously, I agree. A swim platform is a must on any bay boat....rock on.

[IguanaBait]

Does anyone know the right dimensions for a ladder on a SeaPro 180cc. The one that I bought seems to be below the water level on the hull.

[acdaddy0]

Just measured mine, is 15" high by 17" wide . Measuring it where mounting holes hit transom. The deck rides level with water line at rest.

[IguanaBait]

When your driving the boat does the swim platform drag in the water and make a noticeable difference in steering? Also do you have a specific ladder for your 180cc or is it just random one off eBay?

[acdaddy0]

Not at all , the platform is high and dry under way. That one came on boat from factory.  Use measurements as a guide for universal ladder.

[IguanaBait]

Well it seems my swim platform for my ladder is in the water level area for the boat at rest and while driving when I did the measurements. Is this a big issue? Will it cause steering issues?