Trailer Steps custom fab install

[NautiWeasel]

I've been wanting steps or a ladder on my trailer since purchasing this McClain trailer and Cobalt 242. Our typical routine when dropping the boat in the water is for the kids to get in the boat from shore, and get life jackets / throwable / fenders, etc. pulled out of storage, and put in their proper place. Then I will back the boat into the water, climb onto the boat from the trailer tongue on the bow, then the wife pulls the truck and empty trailer out of the water to go park at the ramp parking lot. As you can imagine, or as you know, climbing from the ramp surface, onto the bow of the boat via taking a risky climb up the trailer tongue, onto the winch, and then onto the bow, is a gamble. This ladder made things MUCH easier, and safer.
I looked for a couple of years for something that was already made, that would work for our trailer (McClain all aluminum trailer) and the height of the bow on our 242. There were a few options, but for the price, they looked to average and looked like they would work okay. Not exactly what I wanted. And, I probably could have found someone to fabricate this for me, and paid them to make this, but my guess is the price would have been similar. Probably $600+, is my best guess. Add to that, I have the tools, know how, and creativity to make this myself, my time is what is most valuable, so that would be the hardest part. On to the pictures, because that's why most of us are here anyway right?

First few pictures are after some measurements, some welding, and test fitting.

[NautiWeasel]

After a little bit of time dialing in the welder, I wanted to test fit, and figure out how to make this ladder very stable. In addition to me using this to board the boat at the ramp, I also wanted a way for my retired parents to board the boat from the shore, that wasn't just jumping up onto the swim platform. When on the trailer, our swim platform (with swim step down) is over most people's waist. Not easy for people in their mid 40's to do, let along people in their 60's who are retired. A ladder is much easier, especially when sturdy, and with a solid hand hold.

[NautiWeasel]

Then, deciding how nice to make this. I choose "bare aluminum" as the paint color so as to match the aluminum trailer as closely as possible. And I thought while I was here.... it would be nice or cool to add some yellow clearance lights on top of the hand hold on the ladder. These will run with the trailer running lights. Serves 2 purposes. It looks cool, so that's the main reason. Second reason, when loading the boat in the dark, it leaves a nice aiming point, since this ladder is directly in front of the bow tip.

[NautiWeasel]

Finally, install time.
When installed, the ladder is attached to the tongue, just like the trailer jack with "u" bolts. I added a plate to the bottom to serve as a washer as well, to make it more sturdy. Then I wanted to brace the ladder as high up as I could, so I found a way to attach it to the bow winch post. These mounting points make this ladder very stable, and I'm sure anyone who is physically able to climb the ladder, the ladder will hold up to their weight. When the boat is loaded, the ladder is probably 4-6 inches from the bow tip, to the ladder. This is with the bow eye fully secured by the winch to the roller, so no chance of the bow hitting the ladder.
All in, with purchase of the 2" tubing, 2" angle iron, silver paint, angle iron rubber caps for the ladder rungs, anti-slip tape, and 2 led lights with waterproof plug (seen in one of the pictures on the ground) I have maybe $100 into this ladder.

[jhnmdahl]

Nicely done. Looks like the main post is tall enough to serve as a hand rail when climbing up or on board too. I've seen other attempts at something like this (see below), but yours looks really sharp, and more sturdy than a lot of the commercial ones I've seen. And the light at the top is a genius move!

https://easystepsystem.com/

https://www.lowes.com/pd/VEVOR-Boat-Tra ... g&feed=yes