Ladder Project: Installed wider steps (pics)

rpengr · **Posted:** Fri Sep 23, 2016 1:21 pm

Here is my 3 step FW ladder, with the original foot pads that are very
uncomfortable to climb with bare feet. I purchased newer style foot
pads from a Four Winns dealer quite a while ago, and I finally got
around to mounting them. Sorry, but I don't have the P/N handy.

The trick is that the pads must be offset in order to still fold up and
store under the cover. The bottom step (#1) does not need to be offset.
#2 and #3 both need to be offset AWAY from the boat when viewing
the extended ladder.

The bottom step (#1) was the easiest. It can be mounted on center and did
not require any modification. I just drilled two holes in the ladder cross
bar (which is solid aluminum), and used SST sheet metal screws. I could
have elected to tap the holes and use machine screws.

The second step was the most hastle. I had to router one of the ribs off
the underside in order to place the step as far forward as possible. Also,
I shaved a little material off the back of the step. Had to add extra screw
holes to account for the overhang of this step.

I also found that this cross bar was not twisted enough, so this step does
not sit very level. So I routered a little taper on the back side to get it
a little more level, but not as good as I would have liked.

The top step (#3) was not bad. I still had to router one rib off the underside,
but since this step only had to be offset about 3/16", I was able to just use
the two screw holes.

Finished product in extended position. Feels much better climbing up
with bare feet. Not great, but much better. Still worth doing.

Ray

230 Mike · **Posted:** Fri Sep 23, 2016 2:54 pm

I have the same ladder but those wider steps were original on it. I can't imagine climbing on those narrow steps. That's a great upgrade. I'm surprised you can get the steps without buying the whole ladder.

LouC · **Posted:** Fri Sep 23, 2016 3:20 pm

Very nice, the wider steps must be a lot easier on your feet!

rpengr · **Posted:** Sat Sep 24, 2016 2:36 pm

230 Mike wrote:

... I'm surprised you can get the steps without buying the whole ladder.

Yes, me too. They were reasonable. Maybe $12 each, which sounds a little high, but they are made from two materials... hard plastic base with a white rubber top.

LouC: yes, it's quite a bit more comfortable now.

LUBA · **Posted:** Sun Aug 06, 2017 6:48 am

I have to do this.... How do I see the pics?

chris268 · **Posted:** Sun Aug 06, 2017 12:38 pm

LUBA wrote:

I have to do this.... How do I see the pics?

Plus 1, I hate my stock ladder

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Aug 08, 2017 7:51 am

chris268 wrote:

LUBA wrote:

I have to do this.... How do I see the pics?

Plus 1, I hate my stock ladder

Thanks for asking. See above...I rebuilt the photo links using http://www.picturetrail.com

Ray

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Aug 08, 2017 10:45 am

I think my next trick needs to be to add another grab handle or two. My wife and some others have trouble grabbing the existing handle when climbing back in from a deep water ocean swim. Grabbing the top step or sides of ladder is not much help when the boat is bouncing.

Maybe handles like these: https://www.amazon.com/TRANSOM-HANDLE-Chrome-Plated-BRASS/dp/B000L9LE82

But where to mount it (or them)? I don't think it would be wise to mount a handle to the hinged fiberglass cover.
And I prefer to climb back in the boat with the cover closed, so under the cover would not work.
So I guess that leaves mounting off to one side on the angled face of the transom, or two handles...one on each side?
Or maybe some other type of handle on the top surface?

bodenz · **Joined:** Mon Jul 17, 2017 9:31 pm **Posts:** 11

Nice upgrade. My ladder doesn't have wider pads also.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Oct 24, 2017 5:13 am

rpengr wrote:

But where to mount it (or them)?

Hmmm, I think I’d be concerned about them being a trip or snag hazard anywhere except under the cover. On the other hand, using them with the cover open could result in slammed fingers if a wave comes along at the wrong time.

I’m interested in what you come up with, my wife is having some trouble there too.

If you happen to come across the p/n & source for those steps, I’m thinking it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a couple spares on hand (for when they’re no longer available). Btw, the wide steps are riveted on my ladder.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Oct 24, 2017 7:10 am

230 Mike wrote:

rpengr wrote:

But where to mount it (or them)?

Hmmm, I think I’d be concerned about them being a trip or snag hazard anywhere except under the cover. On the other hand, using them with the cover open could result in slammed fingers if a wave comes along at the wrong time.

I’m interested in what you come up with, my wife is having some trouble there too.

If you happen to come across the p/n & source for those steps, I’m thinking it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a couple spares on hand (for when they’re no longer available). Btw, the wide steps are riveted on my ladder.

I'm having trouble coming across the part number. But I know I found the steps by calling the local Four Winns Dealer.

I just thought of a location for that handle that might work. I'm not at the boat, so I can't look at it to make sure.
What if I made a 3/4" dia Stainless Steel rod that mounted between the two hinge bolts at the top. Probably drill and tap both ends of the rods, so it actually replaces the nuts that are at the top hinge point now. This location would be just aft of the cover, and hopefully would still have room for the cover to open, and for fingers to grip the rod even with the cover closed?

Ray

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Oct 24, 2017 6:14 pm

rpengr wrote:

I just thought of a location for that handle that might work. I'm not at the boat, so I can't look at it to make sure.
What if I made a 3/4" dia Stainless Steel rod that mounted between the two hinge bolts at the top.

Very creative! I like it. The only issue I can think of is the possibility of the bolts backing out with repeated rotation. But I like the placement and the fact that no additional backing plates would be needed.

babbot1 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 570

The 258 had a hole for a handle from the factory in the cover. Actually your piano hinge looks sturdier than the 2 small hinges I had. Maybe replace a few screws with through bolts even though I believe factory was just screws on our boat.
I tried to find a pic online but there aren't any good closeups. If you look for a 2008 era 258 and I am sure other models from that era you can see the hole in the cover.

mannix2 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 30, 2017 8:18 am

I did this same project a few years ago. Bets upgrade ever says the Admiral and anyone else who uses the ladder. Here is the part number for the step pads.

031-1505-01 LADDER, STEP PAD ONLY (WIDE)

mannix2 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 30, 2017 8:20 am

Here's the link to the post and photos when I did the same project.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7812&hilit=mannix2

www.iFourWinns.com

Ladder Project: Installed wider steps (pics)

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