There’s no better feeling than diving off your boat on a hot summer day into the perfectly chilled water—and there’s no worse feeling than realizing that once you’re in the water, you have no idea how you’re going to get back up onto your boat.

An easy solution to this problem starts and ends with a quality boat boarding ladder. Luckily, there are a variety of boat ladders to choose from, all with different designs and mounting options to fit every need. So, let’s dive in and breakdown your choices for the perfect ladder for your boat. (watch video)

Types of Boat Ladders: Advantages & Disadvantages 

In general, there are three main locations that ladders for boats can be mounted: under swim platforms, over swim platforms, and on the gunwale. Let’s take a closer look at each of these, along with a few other options that might suit your boat’s needs.

Under Platform Ladders 

One of the most popular swim platform ladders are those that are mounted beneath the platform. A major advantage of this is that it leaves your swim platform clear, open and unobstructed; while this is great benefit for families and those interested in watersports, keep in mind that these ladders are more susceptible to damages because of their close proximity to the wake.

Over Platform Ladders 

Moving to the topside of the swim platform, you have an option for an over platform ladder.  Although more protected from damages caused by the wake and other obstructions beneath the boat, these ladders do take up space on the swim platform; hindering movement.

Gunwale Ladders 

Another popular type of ladder that can be positioned away from the swim platform is a gunwale ladder, which is typically not permanently mounted onto your boat. These ladders are usually equipped with deck mount brackets and standoffs in which the ladder is secured for stability.

Easily removable and transportable, the only major disadvantage to consider is where to store it when you’re running. However, Boat Planet mentions 13 practical ways that you can organize and declutter your boat for a more comfortable boating experience.

Transom Ladders

Need to free up some space on your swim platform? Transom Ladders are designed to be installed directly on the back of your transom for a convenient and comfortable boating experience. 

These boat ladders drop smoothly and quickly into the water for convenient boariding, and (once you board the boat) you can easily flip the ladder up into itself and lock it into the attached brackets to ensure secure stowage.

Transom ladders are visually appealing, easy to use, and tend to look best on certain models of bass tracker boats.

Dive Ladders 

Whether you want to explore the coral reefs, shoot breathtaking photos underwater, or spear some fish, you'll need the proper equipement when diving. 

Dive ladders specifically tend to be slightly wider than other boat ladders and include nonslip treads that are extremely useful for snorkelers and divers who wear fins when climbing back onboard. While still requiring minimal mounting space, another advantage is that they give ample room for divers to flop overboard and into the water for smooth entry. 

For more tips, Boating Mag highlights some of the best methods on how you should equip your boat for scuba diving.

Pontoon Boat Ladders 

Ladders for pontoon boats are known to be extremely durable. These ladders feature grabrails that makes boarding easy for both adults and children. Because they are usually permanently mounted—typically on the forward or aft swim platform—they do tend to take up quite a bit of space, but their heavy-duty construction makes them very sturdy.

Outboard Swim Platform Ladders 

Smaller boats that are closer to the surface of the water typically don’t need (or have room for) a ladder with more than 1 or 2 steps. A great option for these kind of boats is to install an outboard swim platform ladder to the transom. This will provide an easy onboarding experience after taking a dip and cooling off in the water.

Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boat Ladder 

As you can see, as a boater you have an abundance of options to choose from when it comes time to buy your next boat ladder. BoatUS highly recommends keeping the following factors in mind before purchasing:

1. Once installed, how much space do you have for storing the ladder so it is still reachable from the water?
2. How much free board does your boat have and will you be able to use it as a surface to push against when climbing a ladder?
3. Are there any obstacles that may impede deployment of the ladder—railings or stanchions that the ladder will have to be maneuvered around when deploying from the water?

Conclusion

Finally, be sure to weigh the pros and cons between fold up and telescoping ladders, along with three-step ladders and four-step ladders. While folding ladders are simple and straightforward, telescoping ladders are permanently mounted for ease of use, but they do tend to break more frequently. Of course, when it comes to number of steps on your boat ladder, more steps typically mean that it extends deeper into the water.

When you’re ready to shop for your ideal boat ladder, be sure to browse all our ladder products at Marine Depot Direct.

What kind of ladder are you using on your boat? Share with us on Facebook, and Instagram!