Four Winns?

I like it too, the large angled steps and deep reach are nice.

Yep Four Winns. They have always had the best in the industry, from the angle instead of straight down to the few added steps for ease of boarding. Why don't other manufacturers try and come up with something close to this instead of the standard three step telescoping ladder?

I like the...

A) friction as it holds and folds/unfolds.

B) depth or reach of the many steps that are well spaced.

C) Hand holes as one uses it

D) Angle/slant when I put my weight on it using it

It does not "flop around"

Nice looking product.

I wonder how much it weighs and how easy it would be to retrieve when in the water?

Pretty much the same ladder on our Four Winns. By far the best I have used on any boat.

I like the extended foot pads. The only thing on the ones I had on my two FWs were that the steps were narrower, and they hurt my big fat feet.

Maybe if I had been wearing Crocs....

no, I don't think so.

TEG; they are made of aluminum, and they fold in 3 places. Its light enough that you can pull it up from being on the swim platform.

Heck my '96 200 Horizon had the same ladder. I'm surprised others haven't come close to copying it. I like wide flat steps. They are much easier on the feet then some of the round ones I've seen. I also like how it stays rigid when folding unfolding so as not to pinch fingers.

Is it composite or a metal dipped in "vinyl(?)" I was wondering how it would do in saltwater. Looks great and I like!!

Starfisher, it's dipped.

Yep, Four Winns. Just like the two on my boat. They work very nicely and stow easily. My kids have learned to hook their foot into it as they board and pull it up after themselves. For us not so adept at this trick its easy enough to pull up and fold one handed.

If left out at the stern position it doesn't slow the boat down much but sure throws a rooster tail.

The older folks in my family love the ladder since it gives them a way into and out of the water at anchor so they can play with the grandkids and leave warm spots in the lake for fish.

Thanks Capn, thats what I thought. pretty cool ladder!

Must be the best steps in the business. Didn't know it was out there, and for so long. Way to go Four Winns. Are the two small holes on each step for rubber inserts?

This highlights a pet peeve of mine. In almost all the runabout reviews I have seen on tv. They always highlight the common SS telescopic ladder. Like it's something not seen on 95% of boats. Probably the same latter from the same source on all boats too. Not sure how they can keep a strait face while demonstrating it's function instead of spending time on more unique features.

If they could of pointed this one out on a Four Winns review it would be understandable.

I like it.

As for pulling the ladder up.......Triton is putting a very neat add on to its swim ladder. Take a strap and attach to the bottom step and put a snap on the top step to attach the other end. Keeps the strap out of the way and keeps you from getting on your hands and knees to pull the ladder up.

Same ladder as on our FW. Don't have the boat here, but I'm pretty sure the two holes are the attachment screws. And I think the steps are a hard rubber-like material.

The angle of the ladder allows our dogs to climb right up with no assistance from us. Our Golden will repeat the following until one of us gives up: Retrieve kong from water, climb the ladder with said Kong, drop Kong on the swim platform, wait impatiently for someone to toss it back in the water. Rinse and repeat.

I love dogs that love water! Makes me miss our last dog but still. Any pics? We should have a "dog loves boat" picture thread.

Waterdog, nice story, thanks.

Agree, maybe we can revive and update this one appropriately started by Waterdog...lotta red "x"s now in the post pics, including mine! I'll bump it up and see if I can fix my post as well.

http://www.boatingabc.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/329611/2.html

Update: Here is a video of our Golden climbing the ladder as described above. The noise in the background is from the wind. This was probably her 30th trip up the ladder that day, so a little slower than normal. Also, note she didn't drop her Kong immediately for a return trip.

My Four Winns has this ladder but does not have the plastic pieces on each step. Anyone know if they can be added and where you can purchase maybe?

Don't even THINK of taking the plastic pieces off a certain 268 Vista.

Try "Ladder's R' Us"

Does your ladder have them? How is that...our boats are the same year?

Mine is special.......

Special...or stolen

Special meaning, standard equipment on the Vista. I am looking for some grey carpet for the cockpit, what color is yours?

Gray...and you can have it if you want. It is a PITA. One HUGE cumbersome piece for a 24' boat. The carpet in our Rinker was awesome, 5 small pieces and very easy to transport. Plus, this FW carpet stays wet forever.