M400 - Swim Ladder

[sailorskip]

Has anyone replaced their swim ladder?

The powder coating on the mine is long shot: a quote for a new ladder from the OEM mfr. (GGSchmitt) is over $600 - and almost a month to get. Apparently it is not a stock item.

I'm going to check with a powder coater to see if it is salvageable. If not, any other ladder will require filling and creating new fastener holes, etc.

Has anyone had any experience?

Thanks...

Skip
Tampa

 

[Comodave]

Once it has corrosion I don’t think that powder coating will last very long since they will not get all the corrosion off. It may last a while but I would bite the bullet and go to stainless steel.

 

[garmstro55]

A friend has the same or similar ladder on his Sea Ray. He had it sandblasted and powder coated, though I am not sure how much it cost. I might try that with mine eventually.

 

[Bacchus]

FYI -
If you end up going with a different ladder I found that on my '08 34HT MS buried an alum plate as a backer in the mounting area. When I broke a couple mounting bolts I was able to drill & tap new holes.

Also - If you have any interest in trying a DIY coating...
I recently tried POR 15 and was impressed with it. I tried it based on many great reviews including it's acid resistance in batty compartments. There is a metal prep they recommend for alum and advise a topcoat when exposed to UV.

 

[sailorskip]

I am having the existing ladder recoated, estimated cost about $250. It is a combination of powder coating and a rubber like coating. Takes about a week.

I prefer this route as it uses the existing tap holes on the swim platform and the reinstallation will go much easier.

BTW, I did get a quote from the OEM supplier, GGSchmitt. Apparently, not in inventory, but they would make one for me for $663 + shipping. It would take about a month. Ouch.

 

[BigKev]

Let me know how it goes as i will have to do the same to my 2004 400

 

[garmstro55]

That's a nice looking 400 Kev! Did you add the hardtop?

 

[Bacchus]

While you guys have your ladders off you might consider the step pad mod I did on ours.
It makes it a lot more comfortable on bare feet and not all that difficult with the ladder already off.

https://dkloeber.wixsite.com/bacchus/projects

 

[BigKev]

The hardtop was installed by PO but we have added the clears and shades.
I have upgrade the electronics to Simrad, bur unfortunately unable to use at the moment,