Does Ladder Come Out at Angle For Jif Marine Underdeck Pontoon Ladders JIF45FR & JIF75FR

Question:

Hi, I like what I see for the JIF45FR-4 step or JIF75FR-5 step ladders. Trying to understand which would work on my pontoon boat. Couple questions: 1.When the ladder is pulled out of the base and hooked/locked, is the ladder perpendicular to the pontoon boat deck or is there a slight angle? If on an angle, what degrees from perpendicular? 2. What are the dimensions of the base of the 5-step ladder? Jeff in video did a good job explaining the 4-step base dimensions, but I would like both to see what makes sense on my boat. 3. Video discusses square front pontoon boats. Mine has a slight angle on the front of the boat, not square. Any success mounting your ladders on an angle? 4. I have NO water access at the back of the boat and would have to crawl over a built in 30 inch battery box on one side and gas tank on the other side of the motor. If not acceptable on angled front... any issues mounting this by one of the side doors? Questions are: 4a.If ladder hangs perpendicular, once hooked/locked, I need to make sure that the ladder doesn't hit the side of the pontoon, 4b.When the ladder is stored inside the base, do the feet of the ladder stick out slightly...or is the 5inch plate on the base, above the ladder the most proudinch feature. This ladder will need to be back far enough, so that ALL OF IT is recessed behind my side rub rails for dock mooring. Sorry so long, but this looks like my best bet so far to work while on the trailer and in the water!!! just trying to make sure it will work and DONT want to have to return it if it doesnt. Please advise!

asked by: Ed K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Alright, I think we can help you out here with your questions regarding the Jif Marine pontoon boat ladders; first, let's start with the correct part numbers for the 4- and 5-step ladders so we're on the same page in that regard, and then I'll go over your questions one by one:

- 4 Steps: Jif Marine Underdeck Pontoon Ladder for Flat Decks # JIF45FR

- 5 Steps: Jif Marine Underdeck Pontoon Ladder for Flat Decks # JIF75FR

1) When the ladder is pulled out of the base, it is not perpendicular, it is at an angle; there are not degrees from perpendicular I can offer but it is less than 45 degrees.

2) The base of the 5-step is 59" long and 17" wide.

3) We have not mounted them at an angle, but it doesn't have to be perfectly square in front so long as you have access to the frame. See the linked install video below for a better idea of how it installs and if you have the necessary space for this.

4) A) The ladder does not hang perpendicular. B) The feet do not stick out, but they are also not locked in place. What our installer did - which you can see at about the 3:20 mark - is drill a hole in the side of the ladder and have it held in place with Snap Pin # 337P11C.