Flat Transom, Ladder and Fixing without a Baseplate

[pdagnan]

Hi all,

I have a Sunway 21 and have bought a 2 step over-platform folding ladder for it, there are photos across the web of this boat with a similar ladder fixed and lying flat on the back of the boat, but with no access under the flat area to fix a base-plate what is the best way to fix it on?

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

 

[alahol2]

Welcome, you have dropped off the bottom of the forum index that's why nobody appears to be talking.
As an initial thought, though I don't know the boat, is it possible to cut a hole in the right place and add a watertight dinghy hatch such as... http://www.seaspan.co.uk/acatalog/White_Plastic_Access_Hatches.html

 

[VicS]

Hi all,

I have a Sunway 21 and have bought a 2 step over-platform folding ladder for it, there are photos across the web of this boat with a similar ladder fixed and lying flat on the back of the boat, but with no access under the flat area to fix a base-plate what is the best way to fix it on?

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

What like this

Makes you wonder of the bolts are just screwed into tapped holes in the GRP. OTOH since all the boats with a ladder seem to have the same design ladder maybe a factory fitted extra fitted before the deck moulding was fitted to the hull.



.

 

[William_H]

I can imagine it is difficult to reach from inside to put backing plates nuts on bolts etc for a ladder. You could search for toggle bolt type devices like those used for plaster wall. A toggle drops through the hole then spreads to stop it pulling through. Or you could just tap holes in the GRP for screws. If you doubt the strength of tapped screws you could fix a base board on the outside onto whichg the ladder is bolted. The base board can be screwed to the GRP with any number of crews tapped into the GRP. ie as many as you think will be strong enough. Or lastly as suggesteed cut a hole and fix in an inspection type port or hatch. This especially is a good idea if you envisagee needing to access also the backing for the engine bracket. if it is the same as the photo.

A further thought. You make up a backing plate (or 2 plates) in stainless steel with threads cut for the bolts. (with one additional hole in the middle) Drill the holes through the GRP. Then introduce a stiff wire from the outside through the GRP centre hole then hopefully forward to a point where you can get reach the end of the wire. Attach the backing plate to the wire through centre hole and pull the wire back so that backing plate is on the inside of the GRP. If you can then get the backing plate rotated to correct orientation to get the mounting screws started from the outside. Perhaps 2 wires would make this part easier. The extra hole in the centre goes through GRP into backing plate to hold it onto the inside while main screws are fitted. Fiddly yes but a good final job. good luck olewill

 

[pdagnan]

Thanks everyone, I've managed to find some stainless toggles (http://www.toomerandhayter.co.uk/products/detail/?id=877) rare as rocking horse poo in the UK is seems.

Fingers crossed.