I was wondering if anyone can recommend a ladder that works with bass boats.  There are a few spots that I can park, jump into the river and swim around a bit.  Getting back into the boat is a bit of a challenge.  Any recommendations?!  Here's what i'd be putting the ladder on:

 

 

There are a few different brands that mount to jackplates. I think one is called E Ladder and another called Twist Step

Quick googling rendered a good idea - might be good to get a storable ladder... one where you don't have to actually mount anything. something like this: http://compare.ebay.com/like/110261198466?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

There are a few different brands that mount to jackplates. I think one is called E Ladder and another called Twist Step

 

I have this.  Haven't used it though.  I am glad this got brought up.  I have had it on for 3 years now and I have yet to use it (Good thing), but I need to test it out in the summer months.  Just in case I go for a solo swim in cold water.

Gents,

Thanks for the input! Unfortunately I don't have a jackplate and mounting that twist step wouldn't work for me, which is too bad because it looks like a good little boarding ladder. The windline ladders may be more my style, but for $120... geez! I appreciate the help fellas!

Don't forget. In an emergency situation, you can step on the motor and use the electric trim switch on the motor to help you get back in the boat.

Don't forget. In an emergency situation, you can step on the motor and use the electric trim switch on the motor to help you get back in the boat.

 

I was just going to post this.

Climbing up the outboard works fine and is pretty easy.  Just make sure to do it most of the time when the motor isn't running.  I had to do it twice in about an hours time when fishing and falling out of my Stratos with a 200 GT into 45 degree water (Brrrrrrrrrrrrr that hurt).  I was having leg trouble due to a back injury at the time.  When we had a ski boat years ago we used a ladder that hung over the side and I found even then climbing up the outboard (115 Tower of Power) was easier for me.

I have this mounted to the stern of my boat.  It's a Tracker TV-18. I've never had to use it, and hope I never will.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Folding-Ladder-Universal-Mount/product/803/

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Sea-Dog-Emergency-Boarding-Ladder-5-Step&i=81167&r=view&aID=601K1&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlebase&s_kwcid=googlepla&cvsfa=2587&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3831313637&cID=SHOPPING_81167 - just buy this and loop it over a cleat

Good thread.  I am fairly new to boating and have been thinking about putting something like this on my boat in case I fell out of it.  I love the tip about the motor and trim switch.  I never thought of that at all.  I thought about climbing the motor, but the trim switch would surely help.

 

I imagined something like a rope ladder you would mount and keep tied up at the back of the boat where you could reach up and untie it in a time of need.  Not sure if they make anything like that or if it would be worth it.  I have seen a few bass boats on the water with ladders, so I am sure plenty of people have been through this decision. 

I climb my motor all the time. That's the way I get back in. I usually wait for my co fisherman to turn his back before bailing in for a cool off. Always good for a laugh.

I found this one online last night and think this is the one I am going to get.

 

http://thebassboatladder.com/

These are all great ideas, thanks fellas!

I came accross this website to read more info on this great product: http://www.nauticexpo.com/boat-manufacturer/boat-ladder-20735.html