Originally, when I purchased the boat new, I bought a Sea Dog brand collapsing boarding ladder. It is perfert for emerency use. However, for everyday use such as tubing, scuba diving and snorkelling, I really needed something more permanent.
After a bit of research and viewing some of the swim steps that had been installed on other boats and used by other Trophy 1802 owners (the Bayliner Owners Club forum is an excellent source of knowledge and ideas), I decided on an AFI brand swim step/ladder combination.
There are other brands available, but I decided on the AFI brand as it appeared to be the best fitting unit for the 1802 transom.
Installation was pretty easy. Coated some 3/8" plywood with epoxy and then epoxied these to the inside of the transom to act as additional backing plates for the mounting bolts and large fender washers. Only modification was to increase the bend on the top tab on each handle loop to ensure both mounting tabs fit flush against the transom. Used amply amounts of 3M 4200 sealant around the bolt holes to prevent water getting into the transom.
In addition, I installed a 12" stainless handrail on the upper edge of the transom to help with re-boarding.
Here are a few pictures of the installed swim step and handrail.
After using the swim step for one season thus far, I find it very useful. However, I will definitely be changing the boarding ladder to either a telescoping 2 or 3 step model as it is a bit difficult climbing onto the swim step with only the single step ladder. Definitely a project before the boat goes back in the water in 2011. I will post pictures when this modification is completed.
