Armstrong Ladders

[Bryan 2530]

I just picked up an Armstorng ladder for my bracket, boat did not come with one.

My question is this, where is the best place to store this thing??? I see most have the clips on the transom but I am not crazy about keeping it there.
Anyone have any good ideas about storage for this thing????

 

[ppem45]

Hi Bryan, I too have a 3 step Armstrong ladder and was puzzled of where to store it. I do not use the brackets but instead I store it behind the helm seat. On the little shelf on the starboard side I have a case with 4 life preservers in it and the ladder slides next to it against the side of the boat. All the controls and wiring for the second station come out of the back wall of the cabin and run forward to the helm and it holds everything in place. I won't use it much but thought if someone fell in or wanted to go swimming I would have the ladder to accomadate them. It fits real tight and therfore it does not rattle or move. Your boat is probably different as it is bigger than mine so I don't know if this will help you.

 

[POGE]

I agree, those clips mounted out back are not my choice. I wonder how many go to DJ's locker?
Although my Parker is a CC, if you place flat on the floor for storage use a non slip rug pad and the ladder stays put. I store mine under the front insert on my CC and it doesn't move at all or rattle.
PS: the non slip rug pad vs. the "marine" non slip pad works just fine for alot less $

 

[TheOtherLine]

On the 2520's, I've seen them mounted on the inside of the transom. Does your boat have this area?

 

[Bryan 2530]

I was thinking of installing the clips against the transom inside the two back hatches, it should fit, I just have to try it.

I just thought if someone had a better idea, i would consider it.
Somewhere I saw a pic where someone had it just forward of the rocket launcher ontop of the pilot house.

My transom

 

[TheOtherLine]

Oh yeah, inside the transom wouldn't work for you... Block your storage lids...

 

[ppem45]

How about up under the gunnells? If you mount it tight to the top it would not interfere with landing those big fish.

 

[Bryan 2530]

I got speakers there........

 

[ppem45]

Do you have a bench seat on the port side?

 

[Bryan 2530]

No, dinette. But thats got me thinking, it may fit up behind there........

 

[HM5]

Mine is on the front side of the port seat base (2520 XL) behind the front ladderback seat. It tucks in neatly so as to provide clearance for the seat to swivel. Plus it provides better security...

 

[ppem45]

I only have a 2120SC but what I did to be able to utilize the space behind the bech seat was to remove the middle back support. It makes no difference at all because the back of the seat rests against the wall. If you had that you would have the option of putting it there. It makes a nice little junk collector space

 

[TunaJoe]

Mine is mounted on the transom. Quite secure too, I might add. Those clips are pretty strong.
The next best area IMHO, is in the V berth, next to the head.

 

[Bryan 2530]

Thanks for the input Joe!!

Anyone ever have one fall off the transom?

I really don't want to worry about it in bad weather but, that is a very convenient location for ease of use.

Who has pictures of theirs mounted and what do you like or dis-like about it being there??

 

[BradV]

bryan- I was like you and didnt want to put the ladder on the back of the transom. So i was always leaving it in the cockpit on the side or i would stick it behind a bench seat or up in the berth. Well on the last Bahama trip i had zero room to put it any of those places so i decided ill just put it on the back of the transom. Now i wonder why i never did it before. So much easier to get to it and use it right where it needs to be. when trailering i dont have to put it in the back of the truck so its right there to get the boat ready to launch. Out of the way because of the way that the transom tapers. Oh yeah i came back in that small craft advisory the weekend those football players were lost on the other coast and it didnt fall off then so i cant imagine its going anywhere. Do it you wont regret it for a second

 

[TunaJoe]

When I bought my boat, the dealer installed the ladder on the transome w/out asking me. At first I was pissed. I just knew one of my gorilla friends would bust off the clips getting into the boat. But the dealer assured me it would be no problem, he'd never seen one break.

One year later, very intact.
In fact, boating in the Northern Channel Islands here in California, we can get some pretty rough seas. I pounded for 3 hours last fall in mixed seas ( I have a MV hull) and the ladder didnt budge.

*disclaimer* I don't use the ladder much at all, choosing to climb up on the platform without it. However, I don't think removing it repeatedly will effect the holding ability of the clips.

 

[Bryan 2530]

Well, my first idea of mounting inside the storage will not work, not enough space.

Have to think a little more. :?

 

[ppem45]

ROOF?

 

[BradV]

what about behind the door when its open on the back of the pilothouse? I always thought about putting gaffs or something there since 99% of the time im on the boat i have the door open so theres really nothing you can do there.

 

[Bryan 2530]

Not a bad idea, haven't thought of that. The transom is looking better but I'll look there first.