Port-side Boarding Ladder and Flip-up Step

[dustinm]

Just got back from a week in Key West. Boat is just over a year old and this was the first anyone went into the water.
Thank goodness that I had the port-side boarding ladder! Only way I’d have made it aboard with the flip-up step would have been with a rope tied to the stern cleat. Had I gone into the water with no rope or port-side ladder, it would have been a dilemma.

Do you have a photo?

[dgangwer]

I can take some. I’m in VA and boat is in FL. On my old Sea Ray, the flip down boarding hoop had a grab bar on the transom to assist. Cobalt sent the dealer some grab bars but didn’t recommend installing them as it would void the warranty due to the aft platform not being designed for them.

I am grateful for this forum and those who shared their experience thus enabling me to work with the dealer and order my boat with the port-side ladder. I see on the Cobalt website that the port-side ladder is still an option vice standard equipment.

[johnh4uk]

Have a cobalt 296 with swim step, but no ladder. Definately need to add a ladder to either the port or starboard side of the swim platform with flip out step. Does Anyone have a recommendation for an aftermarket Ladder that would fit? or the OEM Part # handy?

[AsLan7]

Have a cobalt 296 with swim step, but no ladder. Definately need to add a ladder to either the port or starboard side of the swim platform with flip out step. Does Anyone have a recommendation for an aftermarket Ladder that would fit? or the OEM Part # handy?

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So glad you found us J4uk. Any pics of your 296?

And welcome aboard mate.

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[Krob1114]

I have a 25sc which I bought new without the boarding ladder. My wife and I are mid 50s and in good condition, so the flip step was OK, but not optimal for boarding. It really should not be the route to board the boat. Friends that were not in the best shape had issues. I wrote to Cobalt and told them I thought the step was a poor design and it should be the option versus the ladder. Additionally, we had a heavier friend on the step and it bent. In the end, I added the ladder because in 5-10 years, it would be an issue with just the step. My advise, get the ladder, and Cobalt should have the ladder as standard equipment. On a $100k boat, having to navigate the step to get in the boat is a joke.

I understand what you mean about friends not in the best shape. I'm a little overweight, just turned 70, and have a bad left wrist.
I kept working on different techniques and now have no problems. But we wouldn't let my mother-in-law do it.

[ScotTRL]

I’ve designed my own ladder solution because so many friends and relatives struggle getting on the swim step. Love the step for getting in the water and for sitting, but needed a ladder that is removable and sturdy and wouldn’t void my warranty by drilling into the hull. My design gives the best of both worlds. Completely stainless steel and waterproof materials. Slides firmly over swim step and drops 4 steps into water. Easy to climb. I use a rubberized material to prevent any marking the swim step or chrome. Folds up and stows easily. I can make them for anyone interested for $500 + shipping. Attached photos. Email me at cobaltladder@gmail.com

[theplumber]

Just purchased 2019. Port boarding ladder difficult to detach, will try with hammer tap when in the water likely just frozen .

[AsLan7]

Just purchased 2019. Port boarding ladder difficult to detach, will try with hammer tap when in the water likely just frozen .

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So glad you found us tp....

Any pics?

And welcome aboard mate.

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