Ladder Replacement '92 1800SR - Maxum Boat Owners Club

deanries · 04-02-2021, 04:51 PM

All - Moved my project from the Maxum Maintenance tab to fully include my project on my '92 Maxum 1800SR.
Having owned this boat all it's lifetime you get the word as to what should be done to make it better. The issue of getting in and out of the boat when in use became more transparent that ever here of late. I guess getting up in my year's has helped me realize the issue clearly. Will turn 65 next month. The summer months the boat has been home to the family and many friends. The biggest complaint was the boarding ladder was insufficient to say the least. Thanks to the Forum I was directed to a company called Windline and found a suitable replacement ladder (SM-3X 35"H Stainless 3-step). After receiving the new ladder at the end of January 2021 the project began in earnst. Make the replacement fit in the well where the existing ladder was and securely install. I will make separate posts to include the details plus some photos as well.
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 04-03-2021, 04:33 PM

Maxum Lovers - As I continued my ladder replacement project I wanted the new Windline extension ladder to fit where the existing ladder was located. After removing the existing ladder and removing the ladder component the thought looked possible. Placing the new ladder over the existing ladder fitting showed with some hand trimming it could be done. I will post the photos in the order taken. The new Windline ladder came with four 3/8" holes to mount it with the recommendation to mount with four 1/4" fasteners. I purchased the nylon flanged bushings (1/4" ID x 3/8" OD) from McMaster-Carr. Those were bonded in place using JB Weld adhesive. After the adhesive cured the excess was trimmed to be flush with the ladder rail. I then made a template from the new ladder to locate those four holes on the boat. I will post those photos and continue on the next post.
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

jparsons121 · 04-03-2021, 11:13 PM

Nice upgrade!

deanries · 04-08-2021, 07:41 PM

Maxum Lovers - Sorry but I had not loaded the photos of the bushings being installed & trimmed on the new Windline ladder. I will post those and continue the updgrade on an additional post.

deanries · 04-08-2021, 07:45 PM

Photos to attach -

deanries · 04-08-2021, 08:07 PM

Maxum Lovers - The most difficult part of this upgrade was the trimming of the existing ladder fitting to allow the new ladder to be installed within. With the use of a cordless drill, cut-off wheels, Dremel with attachments, flat files and an X-acto knife that job was accomplished. I have a number of photos of this process and will include a few for this post. Remember the end goal even after the blisters!
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 04-08-2021, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparsons121

Nice upgrade!

Thank you for the compliment jparsons121, most appreciated.

deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 04-08-2021, 08:21 PM

Maxum Lovers - For what was shown on the photos the trim left some open areas that had to be filled to support the new ladder. Using portions of the removed trimmings I was able to accomplish that task. They were bonded in place using a plastic cement and taped over for the drill process for the new holes (4 for the new ladder). I will attach some photos of this process.
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 04-10-2021, 06:13 PM

Maxum Lovers - With the existing ladder fitting modified for the new Windline ladder it was time to locate & drill the mounting holes. I used 3 of the existing holes, plugged the aft outer holes with fiberglass flock in the boat (these holes were plugged in the fitting using JB Weld adhesive) and then the 4 new holes were drilled in the boat. Several photos of this process were taken and I will post a few here. Note: to ensure a decent hole was made I purchased a 1/4" OD carbide drill. The pilot holes using a standard cobalt drill took some time & pressure. Also found that the 2 aft, new holes would have to be drilled in the cross member. Drilling the stainless was time consuming but worked out great. The end goal is near!
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

mmwjr · 04-10-2021, 06:47 PM

Coming along nicely, thanks for posting your project.

deanries · 04-10-2021, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmwjr

Coming along nicely, thanks for posting your project.

mmwjr - Thank you for the compliment, most appreciated! Well it is all complete less torque on the mounting bolts (7 ea.). That will be a two man job so I need one of our boy's to stop by to finish this project. I will post the conclusion on my next post. Thanks!
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 04-10-2021, 09:59 PM

Maxum Lovers - Well when you start a project you dream it will come out as planned. You work to that goal and yes, the project becomes reality. Like I stated to mmwjr - all is done except torque on the mount bolts. Now I look forward to this season with the ease of access to my boat when out in the water. Like most projects, they cost you a little more than you want to spend but I believe every penny was worth it here. Kind of happy with my skills as well. Hope you all have a great summer and enjoy the water & the sunshine.
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 04-12-2021, 04:27 PM

Maxum Lovers - After my youngest son helped me torque the attach bolts he wanted to see their access. He then stated if I had included this in my posts. Well no but I should have. The existing ladder fitting (3 fasteners) plus the 4 additional for the new ladder. Also shown on the photos are the two, aft inbd & outbd holes that were plugged with fiberglass flock to prevent water leakage. Accessible but difficult to reach!
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 04-12-2021, 06:51 PM

Maxum Lover's - After we had tightened the attaching hardware my granddaughter used the steps to climb aboard (She is 5 yrs. old). She said - Grandpa let's go boating! So I know it is ready to go. Just has to warm up a bit plus the boat is still winterized for storage yet. Hope to have her on the water by late May weather permitting. I hope my posts will help those who want to undertake this task on their boat so feel free to contact me for possible questions that you may have. Again, looking forward to the water & sunshine this summer - ladder ready!
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

mmwjr · 04-12-2021, 08:35 PM

Sounds like the family is ready to make some more memories, enjoy.

deanries · 04-26-2021, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmwjr

Sounds like the family is ready to make some more memories, enjoy.

Mike - You bet we will, thanks!

deanries (Go Big or Go Home)

deanries · 07-12-2021, 04:49 PM

All -
As the summer here continues the use of the new ladder is enjoyed on every outing. The most words I here are why did you not do this change years ago. It has made a huge difference in getting back into the boat for everyone. Best project I have completed so far behind the bimini top & the wakeboard tower. Those have all customized my boat further and well enjoyed. Have a great summer on the water!
deanries (Go Big or Go Home)