Transom Swim Step Bracket Issue

[gmac98004]

Hello Everyone,

We purchased our 1998 - 355 AC last year. Survey did indicate that this ladder bracket as an issue needing a fix. Now that we’ve hauled out, I’d like to address this somehow.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how I may go about tackling this issue?

There doesn’t seem to be saturated material above those bolts in the transom. But it’s possible there is some saturated material around the cracks.

I would appreciate any recommendations on how to address this one! We're not keen on using that ladder at this point. So it's not essential it becomes fully functional for us. More concerned about the water intrusion and further damage to the transom.

Many Thanks, Greg

[tomschauer]

If this is a 1998 355, that is not the original swim ladder and that access hole was not original either.
I would open the access and get a camera in there and see what you can find out.

[Midnightsun]

That looks like a poorly done DIY ladder attachment. There should have been a backing plate in there which would have prevented the pull through. Surface area is just too small and thin. I would probably leave it as is however install a stainless backing plate both inside and outside with some 4200 on there to seal and stick and through bolt using self locking nuts. Tighten it all up and it will live longer than all of us here.

Looking at the damage, it looks like it is just glass in that area. If there is wood and it is soaked through then you may want to do some more serious repairs as opposed to just the backing plates.

I have a feeling they just put a small piece of wood in there for a backing plate that is all wet and soggy, chuck it, dry up the area and do the proper backing plate thing.

You definitely need to open the inspection cover and take a peek inside to see what is going on.

[g36]

I will agree there is no carver installed inspection plate under the swim platform. The original does have a molded in threaded backing plate. Are the oem holes seen nearby? Also I did replace my ladder because the oem carver sucks. Also I modified my new ladder a bit to reuse the existing oem mounting for the ladder.

[Viper]

I would remove the ladder, and assess that area. The area will have to be repaired anyway so I would try to first determine if that section is cored or not (I don't remember). You may be able to tell when you remove the screws, if not you can drill a hole where the bracket goes to check if there is a core and the condition it's in. Again, the area has to be repaired anyway so don't worry about the hole. If it's cored then it may turn into a big job depending on how widespread the core damage is. This would involve cutting off the outer layer of glass, replacing the core, and glassing in the shell, gel coating, etc. If there is a core, the longer you put off the repair, the worse/widespread the damage will be. Best case scenario is that the area is not cored, and this is an easier/isolated glass repair. Either way, this area gets wet underway and you don't want bare glass or a core exposed to that. It'll also allow water into an area you really don't want it to be...the aft tank space

Ditch that ladder and get the under platform type that use a long bracket mounting that the ladder slides into for storage. The long bracket mount helps to spread the load when the ladder is used. These are way better and sturdier than the type you have on there now. It's also a good time to determine whether you need an extra step or two to make it easier to board. Just make sure it's not so long that it hits bottom when you have it down while anchored. A little wake and a bounce will wreck it.

Keep us posted.

[gmac98004]

Hi All,

Just a few updates for you on this tricky ladder issue. Here are a few highlights based on some videos and inspections today:
1. The underside of this transom is indeed cored.
2. Bolts holding the ladder bracket are glassed in and cannot be removed with conventional DeWalt drill/screw guns.
3. I hung on the ladder and experienced no deflection at all even though there are clearly some cracks around the STBD bracket.
4. There was water in 2 of the 4 access caps. Not a lot but several tablespoons.
5. I could see no standing in the inner area. Lots of dust and flecks tells me there HASN'T been a lot of water in there.
6. Unfortunately, some of the balsa core I could inspect is damp thought certainly not squishy or soaked.
7. The rusty access cap you see is due to previous owner leaving a wrench 3" from this access cover!

The yard is dropping me back in the water on Friday. I'm inclined to Dremel deep into the cracks and fill with Marine Tex. Not sure I have time at this point to deal with the damp balsa on the port side.

Other than 4200 around all 4 access covers just to be safe, I'm not sure what I can do in the limited time I have out of water.

Anyway, your thoughts and suggestions are all valuable and I appreciate it! Let me know if I'm crazy!

Thanks Again, Greg

[bud37]

One thing to be aware of when putting metal or glass backing plates behind for support. Many times the area the plates go is not completely flat and smooth like the surface of the plate is.....when you tighten down the irregularities may force themselves thru and deform/crack the glass and gelcoat on the outside.

Most times the inside area is not finished and very rough and irregular, an inspection is required before bolting up. Try to avoid this by sanding flat the area where the backer goes then using a wood backer or bed the backer if it is metal in epoxy/marine tex etc.....just snug the plate down a little, then final tighten after the epoxy hardens. This will fill in all the irregularities and stop the damage to the shiny gel side as the pressure will be applied evenly.

I agree, that ladder just doesn't work for me, too bad you didn't have more time but if you seal up the cracking area properly like you say it may buy some time.....good luck with your project.

[tomschauer]

From these pics, that is the original carver ladder. It is probably the worst feature of these boats.
I wonder why someone cut in all of those access holes? There where none from the factory.
I would make sure the o-rings are all good when you close them back up or you will get water in there.

[Viper]

At least two were probably for thru-bolting the davits.

[mjk1040]

Between the davit installation and the storage box installed on the swim platform, it's my opinion that one of these installs has caused the water intrusion into the swim platform and thus the ladder mounting bracket issue. I see no O-rings on any of the inspection port covers either. This may turn out to be a bigger project.