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I'm installing a transom ladder from BWY on 26x and not sure if just screws will be enough to hold the mounts securely. Will it hold 230lbs Should I bolt thru?? I also was thinking about installing on the port side because of the swing on seat for ease of entry and exit. Has anyone been there and done that.
Thanks
Brian

I would call them and see what they recommend. If it were me, I'd bolt it through with big washers. Maybe even a block on the inside. Seal with some good caulk.

Which way does the X seat hinge? My M hinges up towards the port side, so it makes sense to have the ladder on the starboard side for me.

+1 on through-bolts with large washers or a block

The seat swings to the starboard side and the current OEM ladder is on the same side.

I would think macgregor would have installed it on the starboard side to begin with.

My seat is hinged on the port side with the ladder on the port side also. In addition I have the ability to remove the ladder and attach it to the port bow which the kids love for swimming and I love it because it keeps the water off the cockpit cushions!

BNG wrote:The seat swings to the starboard side and the current OEM ladder is on the same side.

That seems wrong. You would be boarding and the seat gets in the way. Yea, I would install yours on the port side for easier boarding.

BTW, the Macgregor factory never installed ladders. Any ladder you have installed came from a dealer or PO.
In my opinion, for safety sake, these boats should all have some kind of boarding ladder.

--Russ

RussMT wrote: BTW, the Macgregor factory never installed ladders. Any ladder you have installed came from a dealer or PO.
In my opinion, for safety sake, these boats should all have some kind of boarding ladder.
--Russ

Not right! I got my 26m direct from Laura. ladder is inclusive. I guess it is becouse of CE what we need in Europe, also bilge pump an stern rails came with it.

The MacX has a transom ladder on the Port side to avoid the bilge lift handle and steering stuff on the Starboard Side. Yes they should have hinged the seat on the starboard side.
The 2000 MacX /later has a thinner boarding ladder with only one lower support backet instead of two on earlier models.
This ladder after 2000 allows many to put a 90 hp Suzuki engine on the Stearn .
Also, steering arm, rudder Brackets all changed that year to Stainless and different shape arm.
Dave

BNG wrote:I'm installing a transom ladder from BWY on 26x and not sure if just screws will be enough to hold the mounts securely. Will it hold 230lbs Should I bolt thru?? I also was thinking about installing on the port side because of the swing on seat for ease of entry and exit. Has anyone been there and done that.
Thanks
Brian

The transom ladder on the Macs was a MacGregor factory option. I always had them installed on the hundreds of Macs I sold because I considered it a safety feature.

I just switched my boarding ladder backing from small washers to large washers and then sealed with 5200. Solid as a rock now. I would never consider screwing something like this in, should always be thru-bolted. I guess my ladder (port side) was probably also installed by the factory, but with small washers which I have now replaced. I've pretty well got my kids trained to put the ladder up now when we are backed into a beach some place. Because if the tide goes out and the ladder is down, can put too much stress on it. I wouldn't want the boat sitting on that ladder.

Its a good idea for safety too, but I think as long as the engine is down, I can climb up that too.

That's a good point DaveB. I didn't consider the ballast handle being in the way if I moved it to the other side. I can see everyone tripping over that. I wouldnt mind keeping the ladder I have but it's one step too short.

Also Note, the ladder for the MacX 1996 thru 1999 is wider and has the two bottom legs. This will cause problems if not lifted up and propella may hit it at hard over steering. Ladder will also hit engine when tilted.
Why a good Idea to switch over to the 2000 ladder with thru bolt mounts like my 1997.
My Dingy outboard Mount Bracket is thru Bolt and was a pain but a must.
Spent this past weekend on Picnic Island off St. James city in Pee Soup Fog. Great time with a bon fire burning bog mist away.
Island has changed a bit after last year but holding her own and still 8 camp sites on the Island and yes you can have a fire.
Dave

Dimitri-2000X-Tampa wrote:I just switched my boarding ladder backing from small washers to large washers and then sealed with 5200. Solid as a rock now. I would never consider screwing something like this in, should always be thru-bolted. I guess my ladder (port side) was probably also installed by the factory, but with small washers which I have now replaced. I've pretty well got my kids trained to put the ladder up now when we are backed into a beach some place. Because if the tide goes out and the ladder is down, can put too much stress on it. I wouldn't want the boat sitting on that ladder.

Its a good idea for safety too, but I think as long as the engine is down, I can climb up that too.

You can't move the ballast handle or valve to Port side.
We draw 10 inches, 14 inches ballast full. stearn to beach and anchor bow than stearn anchor, walk off boat without getting feet wet. No need for stearn ladder unless anchored and I can still get my fat 235 lbs up the ladder at 63 young years.
Third step would be better as time goes on.
Actually third step would be great.
Dave

BNG wrote:That's a good point DaveB. I didn't consider the ballast handle being in the way if I moved it to the other side. I can see everyone tripping over that. I wouldnt mind keeping the ladder I have but it's one step too short.

Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL wrote:The transom ladder on the Macs was a MacGregor factory option. I always had them installed on the hundreds of Macs I sold because I considered it a safety feature.

Good practice, Bill!

Ladders are a mandatory safety requirement in Canada.

While there might be exceptions, Macs destined for Canada have a factory-installed ladder; I know that my dealer got them that way too.

-Brian