Removing old swim ladder

[Norcoastal]

I have an 88’ Seafarer and I’m refreshing the entire boat. I bought a new swim ladder and I can get to the two top bolts, but I can’t get to the two bottom bolts. Have any of you replaced your swim ladders and if you did, how’d you get to those two bottom bolts?

 

[Halfhitch]

Maybe they are lag bolts. Did you try turning them?

 

[Fishtales]

Pic would help. Likely the mounting configuration has changed over the years. Could fill with chopped glass and resin and cover with gel coat and then drill new holes if I understand the question. Just want to ensure there is a solid support behind the glass or install a backing plate assuming access.

 

[Norcoastal]

There’s no backing plates. What I’m going to do is cut the bottom bolts and replace with lag bolts. Sound about right? The top bolts are easy to reach.

 

[Fishtales]

Could likely get away with it but I'd want to seal it with Life Seal and use SS bolts assuming above the waterline.

 

[Norcoastal]

I would absolutely get SS lags. What is Life Seal? I never heard of it. Is it stronger than 5200? That’s what I was planning on using.

 

[ROBERTH]

If you use lag bolts, over time they will loosen, then water will get into core and rot, not including your safety for loose lag bolts while climbing aboard .
Hard to imagine can't get to them from underside, but have seen issues like this before. Are there no access hatches/ports near this area to reach into? Is there a way to install one near this area?
Also, best to use 4200 and not 5200 so if need to remove later, will be removable without too much trouble and the 4200 is more resiliant than a silicone caulk for this purpose I think.

 

[Norcoastal]

Thanks, there is no way to access the bolts. I believe what is there are lags and I’m going to try to remove them tomorrow.

I wasn’t planning on using 5200 or 4200, I am thinking of using Life Seal

I’ll let you know what I find out. Coincidentally, the new ladder I just received came with lag bolts.