Buy swim ladder for boat and jetty
A swim ladder is a foldable, fixed or extendable ladder that you attach to the transom or deck of your boat, or to the edge of a jetty, so you can safely climb back on board after swimming. At watersportsonline.com you'll find stainless steel and aluminium swim ladders from HIBO and EvoNautic, suitable for inflatable boats, motorboats and jetties.
Which swim ladder type suits your boat?
| Type | Steps | Material | Max. load | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foldable (rope ladder) | 5 | Rope + wooden steps | ~120 kg | Inflatable, tender, sailing yacht |
| Foldable (aluminium) | 2 | Aluminium | ~100 kg | Inflatable, small motorboat |
| Stainless steel inflatable | 4 | Stainless steel (316) | ~150 kg | Inflatable, RIB |
| Jetty ladder (fixed) | 4-5 | Stainless steel or aluminium | ~150 kg | Jetty, pontoon, harbour mooring |
Rule of thumb: choose stainless steel for permanently wet or salty environments, aluminium for seasonal dry storage. A rope ladder with five steps gives the most flexibility on yachts with a high freeboard.
Material and installation
316 stainless steel is the best choice for salt and brackish water: it won't corrode with prolonged seawater contact. Aluminium is lighter and easier to carry, but needs periodic rinsing after saltwater use. The EvoNautic jetty ladder has pre-bent mounting brackets that fit wooden, steel and composite jetty planks. The HIBO inflatable boat ladders clamp onto the transom with claw hooks that you fit without tools.
Also check out our range of boat accessories for anchors, fenders and mooring lines, or browse inflatable boats if you're still looking for a boat to pair with your swim ladder.
Frequently asked questions about swim ladders
Which swim ladder fits my inflatable or motorboat?
For an inflatable boat between 2 and 3.5 metres, choose a foldable swim ladder with claw hooks at the transom. The HIBO inflatable swim ladder with 2 or 4 stainless steel steps is designed for the transom of an inflatable and folding tubes that won't damage the hull. For a motorboat with higher freeboard you'll need at least 4 steps so you can reach the first step from chest height in the water. Always check the transom thickness: most models are adjustable from 20 to 60 mm deck or transom thickness. If in doubt, a model with an adjustable clamp works universally on both inflatables and small speedboats.
How many steps does a swim ladder need as a minimum?
It depends on your freeboard height, the part of the vessel that sits above the waterline. As a rule of thumb: every 25 cm of freeboard calls for one extra step. An inflatable typically has 15 to 25 cm of freeboard and is easily accessible with 2 steps. An open motorboat or dinghy of 4 to 5 metres can quickly reach 40 to 60 cm of freeboard and benefits from 3 or 4 steps. Jetties usually sit 40 to 80 cm above the water surface; a 4- or 5-step jetty ladder gives enough grip for swimmers and children. Children and less mobile users need more steps for safe entry from the water.
How do I install a swim ladder on my boat?
Foldable inflatable boat ladders attach with claw hooks over the inflatable tubes at the transom. No drilling or tools required: clamp them on, adjust the hook width to the tube diameter (usually 35 to 60 cm) and tighten by hand. Stainless steel jetty ladders bolt to the deck or jetty plank with two bolts: always use the supplied stainless steel washers to prevent surface damage. After mounting, check the ladder doesn't tilt under load by giving the bottom step a firm tug. At the end of the sailing season, remove the brackets and rinse the whole ladder with fresh water before storing.
Stainless steel or aluminium swim ladder: which is better?
Marine-grade 316 stainless steel is the preferred choice for use in salt and brackish water such as the North Sea or the IJsselmeer. Its corrosion profile is significantly better than aluminium under prolonged chloride exposure. Aluminium is 30 to 40 per cent lighter, which is an advantage for inflatables you regularly rig and de-rig. Aluminium needs fresh water rinsing after every saltwater session and annual polishing with metal polish to slow oxidation. For jetty installations that stay outdoors year-round, stainless steel is the most durable choice. A HIBO rope ladder combines a lightweight build with wooden steps that don't get slippery when wet, making it a good compromise for seasonal sailing yachts.
In stock? Order before 17:00 and it ships the same day. Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure? Our specialists in Joure are happy to help.
