Garelick Bass Boat Transom Ladder - 2-Step

Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder

Not only are bass boat ladders a convenience for boaters, it is also a great safety feature to have on your bass boat. Imagine an accident happening and you and your passengers ending up overboard. In the winter months, you are likely outfitted with foul weather gear that can weigh you down, trying to pull yourself back in the boat with no ladder would be nearly impossible. This is where a boat transom ladder could help. These ladders attach or hook to the stern of the boat and allow for easier re-entry back into the vessel.

The Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder is a compact option with 2 steps and simply removed with its quick release mount. The steps are easy to climb and have textured treads for added safety. Installation is straightforward, and the bass boat ladder comes with hardware and brackets.

Features:

• Compact 2-step for low transoms
• Quick release mount for easy removal when fishing or underway
• Easy to climb with textured treads
• Measures 28" by 13" with 2.25" diameter center
• Mounting hardware and bracket included

How to Mount a Garelick 2 Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder

Mounting Instructions

• Choose the most suitable side of the  transom for mounting the bass boat ladder.
• Locate a place on the transom where the ladder will mount and not interfere with the turning and lowering operation of your motor. Determine the actual waterline when the boat is at rest. Mark this location in both the horizontal and vertical direction
• Locate the bass boat ladder on this mark and slide it up to the desired mounting height. It is optimal to have at least two steps in the water for ease of boarding.
• Mark the ladder’s potion at the top of mounting bolt.
  • NOTE: This line will locate the top two holes for the mounting plate.
• Check the inside of the transom where the mounting is proposed. Verify that there is ample space to install a backing plate (minimum size 4” x 5 ½”) that will support the ladder installation
  
  • A 4” x 5 ½” minimum flat area or the size of your backing plate is required for a secure installation.
  • NOTE: The backing plate should be made of either aluminum, marine plywood or some other suitable non-compressive material
• Mark four mounting plate hole locations on your transom or transom extension bracket using the plate as your template.
  • NOTE: It may be necessary to make an external shim or modify the mounting substrate to achieve the proper ascent angle (5 to 10 degrees) for your ladder. Drill one 11/32” or 3/8” hole through your transom, noting the angle of the mounting substrate hole. These holes are perpendicular to the mounting face plate, not the transom. When drilling, this hole angle should be used to insure a proper installation. Place the mounting substrate and faceplate against the boat and loosely mount it with the hardware that you have selected for proper installation.
• Level the bracket, mark and drill the next hole. Check the ladder for level, make adjustments if necessary and then drill the other two holes.
• Loosen the mounting faceplate enough to install roll pin into the mounting substrate. Place the locking bar into the substrate.
• NOTE: The notch in the bar faces down. Slide the locking bar’s operation to insure it slides back and stops.
• Put a bead of adhesive caulk around the perimeter of the mounting holes and all edges of the mounting substrate, coat the bolt threads with anti-seize compound and secure the mounting substrate in place by tightening all four mounting bolts.
• Mount securing clips at desired location with selected stainless steel hardware. This will insure that the ladder will not rotate or slide when boat is underway.

Safety:

• Do not use when motor is running.

Information sourced from the Garelick Installation Instructions for Bass Boat Ladders Technical Data

Click to Download Garelick Bass Boat Transom Ladder Installation Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder used for?

The Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder is designed to make re-entry easier on bass boats with low transoms. Its compact two-step design provides a means of boarding from the stern, while textured treads make the steps easier to climb.

How is the Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder mounted?

The ladder mounts to the boat's transom using the included mounting hardware and bracket. The installation instructions recommend selecting a location that does not interfere with motor operation and verifying that the transom has adequate space for a backing plate.

Can the Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder be removed?

Yes. The Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder features a quick release mount that allows the ladder to be removed when fishing or when the boat is underway.

What are the dimensions of the Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder?

The Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder measures 28" by 13" and features a 2.25" diameter center post. Its compact dimensions make it an option for low transoms.

Does the Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder include mounting hardware?

Yes. The Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder includes mounting hardware and a mounting bracket. The installation instructions also specify that a backing plate may be needed to support the ladder installation.

Can the Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder be used while the motor is running?

No. The installation instructions state that the Garelick 2-Step Bass Boat Transom Ladder should not be used when the motor is running. The ladder should also be positioned so it does not interfere with the motor's turning or lowering operation.

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