Trailer to bow ladder for V20 Sport Fish

[deepguy]

Got the boat last summer and had a good time with it.
The only problem is I have to have someone help launch and land the
boat as it is too tough for me to climb the trailer etc. I know you can get
boat ladder that go from bow to land, or transom ladders. Those type just weren't the type I wanted so to Internet I went. Found a few options but were not just right.
So now I got one of the local shops building the steps now.

Some of you like me might like a set. So I thought I put my 2 cents in that may help someone else get started.

The problems I found is for the steps not to be to wide as trailer would get into tow vehicle. The next problem was to get by the trolling motor on center of the bow. So we have came up with a slanted version. Smaller steps at the bottom getting bigger at the top to be able to step around the motor
as you go.
Putting a few starter pic up.

[Blue_Runner]

Keep em coming Deep. I've wanted a set of steps for a while now. I think they would be down-right USEFUL!

[deepguy]

Got them on and tried them out. Way too good to pass up.
I will probably have to make some adjustments, As I would need to see
what they do in relation to boat launch. I know I'll move them futher away than they are now to be on the safe side.
I can see the kids and grand kids using them now.

I will be doing the trailer guides next month. Thinking of 2x6 treated lumber and outdoor carpet on the side boards. Not sure how strong
they need to be when bumped with boat doing comming in at idle in gear.
So will be thinking about that.

[RWilson2526]

Very nice.....I have been kicking that idea around a little bit myself. With my wife attending to the 2 kids I launch alone almost virtually every time I go out. At 44 I can still get up and over the bow rail no problem after disconnecting the cable but guaranteed the day will come where it gets a little harder. More importantly I dont like the strain I put on the bow rail pulling myself up and over repeatedly.....Being I'm in the sheet metal business I could get one thrown together from stuff lying around in no time but I guess its like the shoemakers kids with no shoes thing.

[dboyd351]

Originally Posted by deepguy

I will be doing the trailer guides next month. Thinking of 2x6 treated lumber and outdoor carpet on the side boards.

Deep guy,
I think 2x6's will be plenty strong enough for the sideboards. Actually I think 2x4s would do it - that's what most people I see use.
I've got a different idea for covering the boards, instead of carpet - where I work we made a set and covered the inside, top, bottom and ends with Azek, which is a PVC lumber material a little like starboard, but considerably cheaper. Attached it with countersunk screws. Worked great and should last virtually forever.

[phatdaddy]

lost my carpet on the keel bunks under the bow and i replaced it with a political sign my neighbor had. its about as thick as cardboard and bent around the 2x6's and i stapled it with monel staples. i thought it would make do until i could put carpet on. that was 3 years ago and its still there with no issues. in fact i like it better, slippery when wet and does not hold water against the wood. best part is running by boat over a candidate i voted against.

[bksah2]

NOW thats funny because i have 2 4x8 political signs as bedliners in the back of my old pickup

[deepguy]

Originally Posted by RWilson2526

Very nice.....I have been kicking that idea around a little bit myself. With my wife attending to the 2 kids I launch alone almost virtually every time I go out. At 44 I can still get up and over the bow rail no problem after disconnecting the cable but guaranteed the day will come where it gets a little harder. More importantly I dont like the strain I put on the bow rail pulling myself up and over repeatedly.....Being I'm in the sheet metal business I could get one thrown together from stuff lying around in no time but I guess its like the shoemakers kids with no shoes thing.

First step above tongue is 12x6x 1.5 inches
Second step 13x6x 1.5 inches
Third step 14x6x1.5 inches.
The post is 3 inches
The height of each step is from 12 to 24 to 36,inches.
They added the step below the tongue 6x12x 1.5 inches own their own.
Which made the setup a little nicer.
The measurement I had from bow to tongue was 47 inches.

Do not know hand rail size but think it is .5 inch diameter.
They added the hand grab rail between step 2 and step 3 on their own
and that is handy to hold on when standing on the ground getting ready
to go up.
Wanted a slick step with sandpaper strips as I did not want them
to be too rough on feet if bare footed.
You could go lighter material. But these steps feel good and do not give or move while using them.

Deepguy

[csvencer]

Now that's no fun, this takes the whole gamble out of stepping off onto the winch post...

JK- Looks nice, I'll tell you what I would of loved to have that on my last trailer, it takes only once to slip off that post and give your boys a good slam on the way down to realize you need a real step. Believe me.

-Svence

[Blue_Runner]

Good one CV. A long time ago a buddy of mine fell backwards onto a trailer. I think it was a jetski? Not sure exactly the scenario but you should see the scars on his back! Ouch!

Those steps are SHAWEEEEEET!!!! Good job DEEP and thanks for the documentary!