Suggestions on backing plate thickness for swim ladder

[hockeyfool]

OK , as I posted earlier that I found a cheaper stainless steel swim/boarding ladder, now I'm
ready to plan the install. Can I get informed comments on adequate backing plate size, thickness, ect -- for
inside the transom ; so the thru hole bolts will hold the ladder properly and not stress crack the transom wall ?
Ladder dimensions are 36" long and 16" wide edge to edge , with two 3"diameter round plates at top
where 3 holes each for bolting on , and legs at bottom are stand-outs.

[MacGyver]

Anytime I install any hardware to a boat i use fender washers.
Obviously the bigger the plate the better the stress reduction. When i do mine on the 19 this winter i plan to make custom fiberglass plates to install then fender washers. I will epoxy these plates in as well.

Hope that helps
(I am a overkill kind of guy......fender washers should be just fine.)

Mac

[skip1930]

Find some scrap 1/4" aluminium plate and saw cut it on a ban saw or saber saw. Use candle wax smeared on the cut line to cool the blade. Clamp it to the ladder before mounting it to the transom and drill the mounting holes on the bench. Do not over tighten the fasteners...no need to 'squeeze the water out of the bolts' and stress crack the gel coat. "Glass don't bend." The 3-M 5200 slow set will keep everything dry.

skip.

[noonmark]

What ladder did you end up getting? I am also in the market for one unfortunately. The bottom half of my factory ladder "disappeared" on a recent sail. Wish I could find just the bottom step so I wouldn't have to mount a different ladder, but thats probably a long shot.

[brackish]

What ladder did you end up getting? I am also in the market for one unfortunately. The bottom half of my factory ladder "disappeared" on a recent sail. Wish I could find just the bottom step so I wouldn't have to mount a different ladder, but thats probably a long shot.

Have you checked with Hutchins to see who made the original they used for your particular boat.  Could be the lower half is a service part?  If that doesn't work out, I would go to a fab shop and have them make a lower half.  Doesn't have to be exactly like the original, just out of SS tubing to fit the top half.  Rather do that than put new holes in the stern for a different ladder.