Dive Ladder

[2Dive4fun]

I wanted to post this picture of my dive ladder I built. I do not have any plans designed yet, but have more pictures if someone is interested. I thought about building these during my slow winter months, but decidded to go diving instead. The ladder can hold more weight than I can pack on my back. I will get pictures of the transom mounting bracket when I can.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Are you open for suggestions?

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I wanted to post this picture of my dive ladder I built. I do not have any plans designed yet, but have more pictures if someone is interested. I thought about building these during my slow winter months, but decidded to go diving instead. The ladder can hold more weight than I can pack on my back. I will get pictures of the transom mounting bracket when I can.

I will try to remember to upload a photo of my homemade dive ladder tomorrow.

 

[2Dive4fun]

I look forward to your Pug remarks.

 

[Uncle Pug]

First off that is a beautiful job of cutting, fitting and welding! I looks like aluminum but I suppose it could be galvanized steel. The ladder on Uncle Pud is galvanized steel and is just rough enough to give good traction.

If your ladder is aluminum you might want to put some traction pads on each tread. The treads seem rather short and I would think that with a rocking boat there would be a chance of a diver's foot slipping off sideways.

I also noticed how sharp the ends of the treads are. If there was any way to modify that it might be a good idea. Approaching the ladder with a pitching/rocking boat and seeing those sharp edges sawing away would make me nervous.

Attached is a picture of the swim grid and ladder on Uncle Pug. Shane made the ladder out of smaller square tubing than I would have and I was a little dubious about it. However we haven't had any problems using it with double 104s.

 

[2Dive4fun]

First off that is a beautiful job of cutting, fitting and welding! I looks like aluminum but I suppose it could be galvanized steel. The ladder on Uncle Pud is galvanized steel and is just rough enough to give good traction.

If your ladder is aluminum you might want to put some traction pads on each tread. The treads seem rather short and I would think that with a rocking boat there would be a chance of a divers foot slipping off sideways.

I also noticed how sharp the ends of the treads are. If there was any way to modify that it might be a good idea. Approaching the ladder with a pitching/rocking boat and seeing those sharp edges sawing away would make me nervous.

Thanks for the input. This was made from 1/4" aluminum tube stock 2.5" x 5". I riped the tube into equal parts for the steps and rounded all the edges. You are probably right about wave action and a larger boat. I have this for my 19 foot glasply and it works great. I was going to powdercoat it, but kind of like the natural weathered finish. I will put traction pads on it it, if looks like a problem. My boat is getting the motor replaced this winter, but I would be happy to take you out for a test dive. I live about ten minutes from Redando boat ramp.

 

[Uncle Pug]

OK... I'm there.

I can see the in the close up how you have rounded the edges. Good job. I take it then that you've used the ladder already... was it slippery when wet?

 

[2Dive4fun]

OK... I'm there.

I can see the in the close up how you have rounded the edges. Good job. I take it then that you've used the ladder already... was it slippery when wet?

Not at all slippery. The longer it weathers in the salt water the better it gets. I dove Dalco Wall with it last. On the way back to the dock my motor craped out. It rides great in the transom bracket, or I can pull the pin and it comes off for safe storage. My guess is, it will hold over 1000 lbs. If I make another, I would try it with 3/16" material. The width of the step is about 8" on each side of the main bar. I had no problem with my footing. The main tube is sealed, but with such heavy stock material the ladder sinks in the water. I would like to make one that is positive boyant. I think the 3/16" material will allow this and should still hold over 500 lbs.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Well PM me when the motor is ready and I'll test dive it with you.

 

[2Dive4fun]

Here is a picture of the top end of the ladder. I will get photos of the transom bracket at a later date.