ladder for 97X

[argonaut]

I disliked the fiberglass bolt-on step the ´97 model year had and made a companionway ladder out of 2 x 4s glued and screwed.
It works well but itś not very attractive and it blocks access to the aft area. Doe anyone know of a source for a stainless tubing swing-up companionway ladder for a 1997 like later models had? I have a forward ballast vent tube installed so I to plan to not use the one in the step.

ModsNote:
Moved to Modifications ~fc

[Captain Steve]

I got a ladder from BWY that comes with quick release mounts for inside and a set of tracks so it can be mounted on the sides. Great piece of equipment. Do a search I posted this a year or so back. I have a 98X

[Newell]

I bought the swing up 2 step ladder from the factory, used on the later models without the hump. Made a landing to fit the contour of the hump out of a thick piece of mahogany and attached it to the hump with a stainless hinge at the aft side. Cut the 2 step to 1 step and attached it under the inside lip of the hatchway. It swings up out of the way and normally rests on the landing. Works great and is stable. Still have access to the hump valve if necessary (no longer used on my boat).

This idea was written up on the Winderra Site by Roger Garland many years ago.

Newell
Fast Sunday 96X

[Captain Steve]

found the post from 2005
by Captain Steve on Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:34 am

I knew Tony Houk had posted pics of the ladder! see this mod he posted back in March
http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=511



ModsEdit: correcting the link ~fc

[argonaut]

Wow, Thanks all, especially Newell.
I am of like mind about the hump valve, that seems the only way to get clearance for the head door to swing also.
That´s my concern with the Tony Houk mod, looks like it obstructs the head door.
I´ĺl see if the factory has ladders.

Did you glass over the center ballast opening, or is it still there?

I think mine´s leaking... another reason I´d like to seal that opening and enlarge the aft ballast valve.

[kmclemore]

I bought the swing up 2 step ladder from the factory, used on the later models without the hump. Made a landing to fit the contour of the hump out of a thick piece of mahogany and attached it to the hump with a stainless hinge at the aft side. Cut the 2 step to 1 step and attached it under the inside lip of the hatchway. It swings up out of the way and normally rests on the landing. Works great and is stable. Still have access to the hump valve if necessary (no longer used on my boat).

This idea was written up on the Winderra Site by Roger Garland many years ago.

Newell
Fast Sunday 96X

The Windarra mod is still there. Interestingly, my fuel tank setup is almost exactly like his, too.