Aqua step for the Challenger 1800?

[racerxxx]

OK Andy,

The brackets that are here are 4" wide( actually 3.889) X 2.000" (1.998). The mounting holes are slotted but it looks like Ray Charles drilled the holes in your boat, couldn't they at least of rotated the bracket to make them match. Anyhow, Das Pics!


NOT the OEM strap, but a worthy upgrade!

 

[Guest_User]

AWESOME!!!

haha Ray Charles... well the PO snapped several screws in each mount. I was able to remove a few from inside the hull with vice grips, but I was unsuccessful in drilling out the 2 that can not be grabbed. after realizing there is an aluminum plate in the glass, I redrilled a little over because I was counting on using Aqua Steps adapter plate for their step ladder... but their adapter or dimensions didn`t work out.

so , is this ladder the windline replacement at 13.5 centerline? if so I will get this one and a few drill bits for stainless and have another go at drilling out the broken bolts and retapping... FYI, I have changed the size to 1/4-20 when refreshing the existing holes...

wow, McMaster Carr has the bit starting at $11 each... man nothing is easy anymore...lol...

 

[Guest_User]

Here is my high tech boarding step prototype:
-just a simple black strap:

-hangs above the propulsion and steering assemblies:

-how it would be used:

RJ, that has to go!!! you`ve come along way with this project! do the right thing! and don`t loose a foot... yikes...lol...

 

[racerxxx]

If I measure the "legs" of the ladder form outside of one tube to the inside of the other(same as center to center but more accurate then eyeballin' the centerline) I measure 13.250". The dimmies are here:

Would be nice if they had a PDF.

https://windline.com/index.php?act=viewdetails&mod=68

 

[racerxxx]

Here is my high tech boarding step prototype:
-just a simple black strap:

Have you tried that in the water yet? Everything always works on land, LOL. You need a ladder, and some rubrail insert.

 

[Guest_User]

If I measure the "legs" of the ladder form outside of one tube to the inside of the other(same as center to center but more accurate then eyeballin' the centerline) I measure 13.250". The dimmies are here:

Would be nice if they had a PDF.

https://windline.com/index.php?act=viewdetails&mod=68

ooops, I meant to type 13 1/4.

see the pic...
so basically this windline replacement ladder is exactly like the OEM... man I`m wondering why the girl just couldn`t tell me that... sheesh... thanks Dan!:thumbsup:

 

[racerxxx]

ooops, I meant to type 13 1/4.

see the pic...
so basically this windline replacement ladder is exactly like the OEM... man I`m wondering why the girl just couldn`t tell me that... sheesh... thanks Dan!:thumbsup:

She transferred the responsibility to your shoulders if the part was wrong. She also wanted to make sure she was clear as mud, LOL.

Yeah, I looked on the one here and there is no part# or anything. But by reverse engineering it I'd say the UP-2 is the one and the BR96 brackets would be correct. They include 2 white shims but this Challenger at my shop has 2 PER bracket. One that goes down in the hump of the bracket and one that goes directly from one side of the bracket to the other side, you can kinda see it in the above pic of the bracket. If you need anything else just holla'

 

[rjcress]

Have you tried that in the water yet? Everything always works on land, LOL. You need a ladder, and some rubrail insert.

Have not tried it on land or in the water yet. Not overly optimistic that it will work, but thought I'd give it a shot since I don't know if mine has the aluminum plate in the glass that PR mentions. Not even sure if I CAN safely bolt something on mine. If I can, then a Challenger 1800 ladder would probably work great for me, mounted to one side (ie. not in the center of the swim platform).

And holy crap! Have seen the price of rub rail insert? That stuff must be made of unobtainium for what it cost.

RJ, that has to go!!! you`ve come along way with this project! do the right thing! and don`t loose a foot... yikes...lol...

Loose a foot? How?

I also thought I might make something like this:

... but it would have to hang from the center mounted ring above the swim platform, which would put it directly over my jet drive.


Of course, if I can confirm that my hull has the aluminum plate in the glass to support a bolt-on ladder, then I'll likely keep an eye on this thread and do whatever you end up finding that works.

 

[Guest_User]

well for starters, when that strap gets wet it will stretch, if you slip your foot/toe can get hurt from the linkage... just looking out for ya brotha!:cheers:

rope or strap ladders need top be on the "side" of the boat so when you step on them you don`t wind up under anything. your body weight will push the ladder under the boat... those types are used for the sides, where you have the height of the boat...

if your going to do something like that, try boarding from the side...

 

[Guest_User]

no new info from Aqua Step or Manny, so I decided to just order the Windline ladder direct. I`m not an ebay shopper, so I sourced this from the manufacturer. still pricing not to bad... shipping tho, that`s another story...ooof...

so I`ll know more if this is direct fit, or what needs to be adapted when it gets here...

oh well, was looking forward to something cool with Aqua Step... they snoozed...