Trailer Bow Ladder Handrail Build

[Scooter G]

I've been thinking about this Mod for a while. Had a goood run on Friday, and owned the lake. I think everyone has gotten their credit card bills of July & August and hung their hats after Labor Day. Our crew was a little boated out, a term I don't hear very often, but gave me a window to start a little quick project on Saturday.

Just had to share (Friday)...

Factory Boatmate Rails

1st step, let's jig this out and see what it looks like


I had a few rails of 1 1/2 x 1" stock laying around, put it to use, cut & chop

Ready to tack the legs

(fat thumbs) Positioning for fit. I think the factory rails look a little wider spaced, I wanted these a little tighter.


Ready to tack, eyeball & measurements for straightness, redneck accuracy

No turning back now

Pleased with the height, very comfortable for entry & exit





A few different angles if you decide to replicate

Spot on where I wanted it, trailer was set level


Primer and paint to follow. I have a few rattle cans of matching black from Boatmate. I'll share at completion.
In the end, what was something I would of done differently? Can't really call it out, I am very pleased, but I do feel that those steps without rails are an accident waiting to happen, not if but when. I'm a hack welder, and every job do I am an expert again, but it's not until the last bead is run. Grinders are a hacks best friend, lol.
I hope someone finds this useful. Have fun in the journey...
~Scooter G.

[Lockem25]

100% Plan to do this to my 2014 trailer and also make the steps go to both sides of the center "rail". I will only do one hand rail though but I like how you did this to start with wood! Any chance you have a paint code on that paint that would match something else? Maybe a rustoleum?

[Scooter G]

I originally started with the idea that I would do on one rail, once I was in motion, I couldn't stop and carved out 2. I'm glad I did, I think one (better than none) would look out of balance, and it's super smooth now to bound into the front in one fell swoop grabbing both rails. I thought about just using round tube, and my 2 decade old Harbor Freight bender (paid for itself a long time ago). Would of been a little simpler, but I like the look of the Rect. Tube, gives it a beefy tough look, and one of a kind.
So Lockem25, are you starting from scratch, no steps?
Also, I would recommend matching rattle can paint from Boatmate, it's $30 something a can, but flows and finishes as good as any spray gun I've used, quality stuff. That is to say, if one could ever get a hold of Boatmate, they are in the toilet right now. 40 minutes on hold this morning, 45 yesterday and nada...
What color is your trailer?

[Lockem25]

I like it Scooter G

I have a tube bender but do not want to use the size tube that I have dies for and one off application would not make sense to spend $300+ for a die. I will likely do something similar to what you did.

The trailer has the steps but its only the small pad on the starboard side not the full step across. (Pictured above) I will be basically replicating the step to to port side of trailer as well.

Trailer is black as you can see in the picture.

I dealt with trying to get information from them on trailer parts and kind of gave up after not hearing anything back and just went to my local dealer to get what I needed. I know need to replace one of the LED tails in the trailer as it has some bulbs that are not illuminating now.

[jhiestand]

Scooter G nice work!! I've recently wondered if I could incorporate a bow ladder similar to what I typically see on bass boat trailers. It's mildly irritating I have to always board at the stern of my boat when it's on the trailer and seems like adding a step on the side may be a solution. Since I have a 210 the trailer tongue is shorter so less to work with, but the bass boat guys seem to make it work. Anyone add something like this to their trailer?

[BasaltRMK]

Nice work, Scooter G! Looks outstanding. Wouldn't mind doing something like that myself. Oh wait, I guess I'll need to learn how to weld...

- bob

[Scooter G]

Lockem25, good start, and I agree with the additional side step, never fails I come up the side where it isn't, dohh. Tag me if you need any additional help, hacks, with the project when you get there. You can order the paint on-line (and tail light), if you decide to go that route. You will just need to have your Trailer VIN#. BM's shipping has been pretty efficient in the past, unless that's gone to sheesh now also.
https://www.boatmateparts.com/produc...php?itmId=1121

jhiestand, I've got to say, that is better than nothing. I saw one other pre-fabbed model out there that looked pretty worthy. I know you can buy the whole bolt on assembly from Boatmate, but would hate to think what the cost is, saw it on their Facebook.

BasaltRMK, Youtube (everyone is an expert) and a Grinder
For your new beautiful rig though, I would drop the coin for the Boatmate did it for me Model. What's another $1, $2, $3 grand at this point, lol.

[BasaltRMK]

Sounds like Scooter G's buying - woo-hoo!



- bob

[Scooter G]

Sorry Bud, too many Prop purchases and repairs this Season. Digging change out of the couch at this point

[Scooter G]

I'll hold onto the would jig for a while if anyone would like it, you grab the shipping.

A little primer& spot putty, 3 coats of Boatmate rattle can black, I like the end results. The Captain made me cover most all of the boat before the spray flew. I think there may be some underlying previously documented trust issues here, not sure, lol.