Dale,
I'm assuming it's factory installed however cannot confirm. I did not install it. Very sturdy and can come in handy when on the trailer. I'm 230 pounds and it supports me no problem. I try not to use it but dont always have my fold up ladder with me. I'm guessing the main purpose is to be used while in the water where we all weigh a little less??
Bill,
That picture is from East Chicago Indiana. Steel Mills that extend 2.5 miles out into the lake, barges, mill dust blowing at 30 knots, etc......Oh I forgot, and 4 man limits of Coho in a couple hours....LOL. This end of Lake Michigan warms up faster than the rest of the lake bringing all the Coho and the bait they are chasing down to us. There are also plenty of Brown Trout (some well into the teens), Steelhead and King Salmon. Once the lake warms I trailer to other areas all around the lake. Last year we were in Door County with our 18 foot Hewescraft. We were on our way home to New lenox, IL and my wife asked me to stop and look at this boat that Al at Twin Cities had listed. It later proved to be the most expensive vacation we ever took....NO REGRETS. I cant wait to go to Door County this year with the new boat.
