Hi all,
My '97 272 needs its ladder replaced, I have a line on a windline so that's not an issue but I need to remove the old one first.
Problem is the bolts just spin and spin in the fiberglass.....is there any way to remove the bolts? Is there an access point to reach inside the swim platform?
Also how about new bolts going through the existing holes?
This is under the platform design btw.
Thanks

The transom only goes up part way to the molded swim platform and there is a air gap between where transom ends and top of fiberglass molding starts, it is partially hidden from view by the fiberglass overhang that extends down, you will have to somehow squeeze a arm into that hollow and hold the bolts. I cut a hole in the top of my swim platform to install a access hatch so I could bolt in ballast and can clearly see the bolts and nuts on mine, Smitty

Sounds like fun, lol.
I'll have to find that little access place.
Thank you.

I am trying to put a under platform ladder on my sport 250 and am having the same issue. I am going to drill a 4" hole in the transom in that dead space so I can get a arm in there. it may be my 10 year olds lol

Arcticfriends, thank you.
That worked perfectly....well almost. Lol
I could not get my arm in there but my wife was able to.
I had to cut the old bolts off from the outside.
The new ladder was about 3/4" narrower so I had to drill new holes and I will fill in the old ones.
Also I used my iPhone to snap a pic of the inside because I couldn't see back in there obviously...BUT I'm happy to say my new extended ladder is bolted on way tighter than my old one and will be a whole lot easier for both my kids to get up without me having to boost them.
So once again, thx for the help.

Heres whats done to my 250 since mine didnt have a ladder either. there was no way to get an arm in there to access the cavity as the transom came up way high. anyway cut that rectangle out, and then had a piece of 14"x16" x 1/2" marine wood fiber glassed into the floor of the cavity to add strength to the platform where the ladder was going to go than paint it all up. IMO you need something in there to add strength as that platform is not very think on the underside and mine didnt have any sort of support where the ladder was going to go. maybe the boats that came with ladders had something put in there to add support?

i have a 272 that i bought last year. It is a 94 and never had any swim platform on it until i put one on. I put a under swim platform ladder exactly like the factory windline. I used toggle bolts to secure the ladder. No need to cut the top of the swim platform to get to the inside of the cavity. 8 toggle bolts are holding up fine no cracks in the fiberglass only time will tell... i mounted it in the factory location and if i remember correctly there was extra reinfored glass there. I also added a grab handle on the back above the swim platform. I know for a fact there was extra reinforcement there.