There are several options to consider when you’re looking for a ladder for your boat. While a rope ladder won’t always work, choosing the right jon boat ladder to install in your flat-bottomed boat will make your trip safer and more fun.
The right jon boat ladder will come in handy when you’re trying to get in and out of the water. This is why you need to understand how to use this ladder and the considerations you need to follow before installing one. Here are a few quick picks for the best jon boat ladder:
What is a Jon Boat Ladder?
A jon boat ladder is installed on lots of flat-bottomed boats. It’s usually made of durable metal or any other corrosion-resistant material, so it won’t rust or corrode with exposure to water. Others are designed with a rope ladder style.
Good boat ladders are expensive. This is why you need to spend time choosing the right one to install on your boat.
How to Choose the Right Jon Boat Ladder
While some people get into the boat by jumping from the dock and never get out until they’re back, lots of people prefer to swim or dive while they’re enjoying their boat trip. This is where the right ladder comes in handy.
When you’re picking a jon boat ladder, you need to think about its physical traits as well as the purpose of buying it in the first place. Here are a few features that you need to think about.
Design
This includes the size of the steps, their numbers, and the rails. The more steps there are on the ladder, the more expensive it will be.
In most cases, jon boat ladders are designed to have 3, 4, or even 5 steps, as this is enough to allow for easy entry and exit from a jon boat and a similar flat-bottomed boat. A longer ladder will be easier to mount, especially if you’re not that fit or if kids are using it.
There are several ladders that feature a telescoping design. This means that you can extend your ladder only when needed. This will reduce the drag and prevent the ladder from getting accidentally caught in a fishing net or any other object.
The width of the steps is another factor that you need to consider. Wider steps are easier to use, especially for someone with some mobility issues. You should also pay attention to the rails as they will allow you to hold onto the ladder while getting into or out of the water.
Material
Your jon boat ladder should be made of high-quality aluminum, stainless steel, or any other corrosion-resistant metal. While being exposed to moisture and heat, some metals can be subject to rust and corrosion, which affects the overall quality of the ladder and increases the risk of injuries.
Stainless steel is durable and will work, especially if the ladder is used regularly by heavyweight users. It doesn’t break or bend, and is corrosion-resistant.
Boaters can also choose plastic or rope ladders. Plastic is lightweight and won’t show any signs of wear with continuous exposure to water. However, it’s less durable than metal. Rope ladders are the least desirable because they’re more challenging to use.
Weight
The weight of the ladder can be a drag when you’re operating your boat. A heavyweight ladder will also be more difficult to install.
Steel and stainless steel are heavy and will add unnecessary weight to your boat. However, if sturdiness is your main concern, then you definitely need to stick to a stainless steel ladder.
If you’re interested in a high-quality ladder that is also easy to install, then you need to choose an aluminum ladder. Just like all other accessories that you can install to your boat, you should check with the manufacturer to make sure that you’re using an adequate model.
Using Your Jon Boat Ladder
In addition to the physical attributes of the ladder, you also need to think about the main reason for buying and installing it in the first place.
Boarding Your Boat
This is probably the main reason why you’re buying a jon boat ladder in the first place. A ladder ensures stable on-boarding compared to hopping onto the deck without anything to hold onto. When the dock is shaky, or the water is high, you want to hold onto something to stay safe.
In this case, having a stable and durable ladder will be a big plus. A rope ladder won’t work because it will move too much. Moreover, a sturdy ladder will withstand hits if it accidentally collides with the deck.
Choosing a telescoping ladder will also be a good idea because you will be able to remove it once every passenger has got on board the boat.
Swimming
A ladder will make it easier for you to get into and out of the water. Of course, there are several situations where you can spend all the time on the boat while you’re fishing or just enjoying a cruise. But if you want to swim or dive, a ladder will come in handy.
A durable ladder will work best. The steps should have some pattern, so your feet won’t slip when you’re going up or down the ladder.
Before installing a ladder, make sure that you’re able to use it. If it extends into the water, it will be easier to use, mainly by kids or elderly people.
Get Your Pet On Board
A jon boat ladder provides a safe and easy way for your dog to get into and out of the water. Even if you’re not going to leave the boat, your dog will be excited to enjoy its time in the water. If there’s a platform that sits in the water, the ladder will give your dog the needed boost to hop onto the boat’s deck.
Wrap Up
A jon boat ladder is an excellent addition to your boat. It will facilitate getting into and out of the boat in all conditions. This is why you need to spend time choosing the right one.