Installing ladder on RT198

[Mechanic Bob]

Got to laugh at "swim out to retrieve my boat at a primitive ramp." Just hope no one was there to see ya, including snakes and gators! I have had to do that and damn, there was a group to witness it!
Hole for the riv nut .250" Hole for 8-32 tap is .1360", so the hole is not that much larger. I think between the riv-nuts and the E6000, (ladder is made from 316 SS), it will last longer than the boat!
Good suggestion for the grab handle. I have a Talon that I can lean against and use for additional support.

Thanks again and tight lines!

[Mechanic Bob]

Thanks Bill. I just looked again at your picture and see that was a Kayak grab handle. I think I have one or two of those laying around. I'm installing that handle tomorrow!

[Mechanic Bob]

Receive the ladder from Metalogic today. Quicker than the original delivery date. Very nice unit. Excellent Metal finishing.
Any of you wanting to install a ladder, two Thumbs up to Metalogic! (They are a sponsor here.)

[Bill Reynolds]

Bob,
I got your PM but am replying here because I was unable to attach a picture to the PM.

I was mistaken about how much access I had to the inside of the transom. I don’t know what I saw before, but looking again, I only have access to one screw from the inside. There is no foam but you may hit a brace depending on placement. Good idea to use a small drill first so you can see if there is any interference before drilling for the RivNut.
This is how mine looks, but yours may be different, I seem to remember more open space on the 198.

[Mechanic Bob]

Thanks Bill. When I just knocking on the area, it seem solid, like there was some foam backing.
I am going to see how far to the outside edge I can mount my ladder as not to interfere with the Talons.
10-4 on the interference with some braces. The guy at Metalogic was very comfortable recommending the SS sheet metal screws, that they supplied.
May add the E-6000 adhesive in the assembly tool kit as a backup, if the RivNuts don't work.
That product from Metalogic is some very nice quality.
Thanks again.

[Mechanic Bob]

Ended up with using the sheet metal screws as supplied with the ladder. Also added the E-6000. I did not use the gaskets as supplied, as I was afraid of those creating a weaker connection.
Also added a grab handle as Bill recommended. AWESOME recommendation.
Hope I never have to use it, But if I do, I am ready!