Involuntary untethered swim step ladder

[baz]

This is a FYI...

A few months back I discovered my swim step ladder on my 2010 R25 was loose and trailing in the water behind the boat. I suspect it was also causing drag and causing my fuel consumption to be more than it should.

When I inspected the ladder tethering mechanism I noted it had been held in its folded position with a Velcro strap. This strap had become rotted and worn through to the point it no longer held the folded ladder in place. What was left of the strap was insufficient to hold the ladder in place so I discarded it. I replaced it with a small line to secure it and will develop a better solution later.

So, it seems it took some 3 years for the Velcro strap to deteriorate and lose its effectiveness for holding the folded ladder in place.

If your R25 is like mine you may want to check the Velcro strap to see if its failing in a like manner.

 

[Jake]

Just makes a person wonder sometimes what the manufacturer was thinking. How much did the boat cost new? Would much prefer a fold up ladder that stores under a hatch (lid) as on a $20K bowrider. 🙂

 

[walldog]

Just makes a person wonder sometimes what the manufacturer was thinking. How much did the boat cost new? Would much prefer a fold up ladder that stores under a hatch (lid) as on a $20K bowrider. 🙂

Come on guys, just buy the 25SC or the 27 or the 29 or the 31 already. Every boat from the 25SC up has a ladder that folds into the swim platform. http://rangertugs.com/sites/default/fil ... o-1-13.pdf

And Jake every boat in the Ranger Tug line cost a little more than your $20K bowrider, if that is the question you were asking. :lol:

 

[knotflying]

Things improve over time. You do have to admit Ranger hears what we say and makes improvements along the way. Each model improves with time, hence the 25 SC has the built in ladder. I guess for those folks that use an electronic calendar and own a 25 classic you need to add- Change step ladder velcro 03/18/15. Or, add - Buy 25sc 3/19/13- delete change velcro on step ladder 03/18/15 :lol:

 

[Jake]

Glad to see Ranger has seen the "error of their ways". :lol:

Seriously, it is nice to see Ranger constantly making small upgrades and improvements every year to the various models. Most builders don't bother.

Jake

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

Ranger has five boats in the Ranger Tug line and yes the 21EC also has the ladder built into the swim platform. The 21EC is also way north of the 20K bow rider.

Phil Rudin

 

[walldog]

Ranger has five boats in the Ranger Tug line and yes the 21EC also has the ladder built into the swim platform. The 21EC is also way north of the 20K bow rider.

Phil Rudin

Thanks Phil, I would have listed the 21EC also, but I could not see it on the picture. Thanks for posting it.

 

[South lake]

My 2010 R25 has a swim ladder that folds into the swim platform, under a lid. It's very secure.

 

[baz]

Jeff: My 2010 R25 was built and delivered in late 2009. It seems they changed the folded ladder security for your R25... Good show... 🙂

 

[jimackert]

My 2008 21ec had the same problem--I trailed the swim ladder behind for two days before I noticed. I was able to find a new Velcro strap at West Marine for a few dollars. They had a bushel basket full of misc. Velcro straps, and I found one that was almost an exact replacement.

 

[baz]

Jim Ackert: Be sure to check in 3 years time for a similar failure. 😉

 

[Jake]

I would wait for the recall notice or at least be sure to have good documentation of the Velcro cost. Or maybe the problem is that it isn't OEM Velcro and just a cheap imitation made in China hook and loop. 😱