A great boat ladder is an essential accessory for your boat. It makes it easy to board your boat. It also can mean the difference between life and death if you accidentally fall into the water.
Choosing the right ladder for your boat can be a challenge as there are so many different kinds available. We’ll save you time with our boat ladder review! In this review, I’ll share our top 10 best boat ladders, including all of their features and specs.
The 10 best boat ladders are as follows:
- YaeMarine 4-Step Stainless Boat Ladder – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Rage Powersports Harbor Mate Telescoping Boat Ladder – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Pactrade Marine Pontoon Boat Under Deck 4-Step Flat Front Ladder
- Amarine Made Marine Pontoon Boat Heavy Duty 6 Step Telescoping Rear Entry Ladder
- Pactrade Marine Boat Universal Swim Over Platform Mount Telescopic Ladder
- DasMarine 4 Step Stainless Steel Pontoon Boat Ladder
- JIF Marine EQB4 Over Platform Telescoping Boat Ladder
- Garelick/Eez-In Inflatable Boat Ladder
- Prairie Metal Stainless Steel telescoping Ladder
- Pactrade Marine Boat Dive 3-Step Stainless Steel Ladder
Read on to learn more about the best boat ladders, including the specs and features for each.
Also, take a look at our top pick on Amazon, YaeMarine 4-Step Stainless Boat Ladder, to see more info on it and its great reviews.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Boat Ladder Review – 10 Best Boat Ladders
1. YaeMarine 4-Step Stainless Boat Ladder
The top boat ladder we recommend is the YaeMarine 4-Step Stainless Boat Ladder. This ladder is also a 4-step boat ladder made of 1.5″ diameter SS 304. stainless steel tubing.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Its maximum carrying capacity is 400 pounds. This boat ladder is a telescopic ladder with extra-wide steps that enhance passengers’ comfort when they are boarding the boat. The handrails are also extra tall and provide added support.
When closed, this telescopic ladder can be flipped up, so it will only occupy minimal space. Moreover, it has a unique self-supporting design that requires no additional support. Its shipping weight is 19.2 pounds.
Key Features and Benefits:
- This ladder is made of 304 stainless steel with a diameter of 1.5”
- It has very comfortable and wide steps
- When the steps are closed, they can be flipped up for easy storage
- This ladder can carry a maximum weight of 400 pounds
- Quick-release mounting brackets
2. Rage Powersports Harbor Mate Telescoping Boat Ladder
The next boat ladder on our list is a favorite among swimmers because of its functional features. It is the Rage Powersports Harbor Mate Telescoping Boat Ladder. This ladder offers convenience and safety to boaters and swimmers.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Each of the steps in this boat ladder has rubber tread wrappings, which enable sure footing for boaters and swimmers. The design of the fiberglass platform and the handrails make boarding the boat easier, too.
This removable boat ladder is made of 304 stainless steel. There are also Velcro straps in this ladder that prevent the steps from deploying when not in use. The maximum weight it can carry is 300 pounds. Installation hardware is included in the package as well.
Key Features and Benefits:
- This boat ladder has a built-in fiberglass swimming platform that measures 18” x 14”
- It is a telescopic ladder that can extend 33 and ¼” from the boat or dock
- Made of polished stainless steel construction
- The package includes a bracket, mounting rail, and hardware
- 300-pound maximum weight capacity
3. Pactrade Marine Pontoon Boat Under Deck 4-Step Flat Front Ladder
Another boat ladder worthy of consideration is the Pactrade Marine Pontoon Boat Under Deck 4-Step Flat Front Ladder. This boat boarding ladder has a very convenient under deck design that allows it to stay out of the way when not needed.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It is made of high-quality anodized aluminum and can carry a maximum of 300 pounds. The ladder steps are 12.5 inches by 1.75 inches. Moreover, there are strong traction rungs in this ladder, making it safer for children to board. The package contains mounting hardware as well.
Key Features and Benefits:
- It has a very convenient under deck design that keeps it out of the way when not needed. However, it can be deployed quickly, as well.
- The ladder has five steps that can hold a maximum of 300 pounds
- Made of anodized aluminum of premium quality
- Each ladder measures 12.5” x 1.75”
- The whole boat ladder measures 48” x 14” x 48”
- Package weight is 17.2 pounds
4. Amarine Made Marine Pontoon Boat Heavy Duty 6 Step Telescoping Rear Entry Ladder
The next boat ladder on our list is the Amarine Made Marine Boat Heavy Duty 4 Step Telescoping Rear Entry Ladder. This is a heavy-duty portable boat step ladder made of all-welded stainless steel construction. It can also support a maximum of 400 pounds.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The boat step ladder has a unique universal design that doesn’t require any support. It is also a telescopic ladder consisting of four extra-wide steps. This ladder has extra-tall handrails that make boarding very easy, too. It is usually mounted on the rear or stern of the boat but can be mounted easily on the deck as well.
Key Features and Benefits:
- This portable boat ladder requires no support or standoffs because of its special universal self-supporting design
- It can be mounted easily on the deck
- Made of heavy-duty all-welded stainless steel construction
- Handrails are extra tall to make boarding easier
- Has six extra-wide steps that retract when they are not needed
- Package weight is 21.2 pounds
5. Pactrade Marine Boat Universal Swim Over Platform Mount Telescopic Ladder
Another top boat ladder on our list is the Pactrade Marine Boat Universal Swim Over Platform Mount Telescopic Ladder.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This is a low-profile 2-step boat swim ladder equipped with a white fiberglass platform. It has enhanced safety because it has black step threads attached to the steps.
This removable boat ladder is made of 304 high-strength stainless steel tubing with a 7/8” diameter and has a maximum carrying capacity of 275 pounds. Velcro straps are also included in the package to keep the boat ladder tied up when not in use. Moreover, stainless steel hardware is included both for inboard or outboard installation.
Key Features and Benefits:
- When deployed, this boat ladder measures 23 and 1/2” long and 13 and 1/4” wide
- Universal swim under-mount telescopic two-step ladder
- Has a fiberglass platform that measures 14” long and 13 and 1/4” wide
- The two-step threads measure 7 and 1/8” by 1 and 3/8”
- When stowed, this ladder measures 13 and 1/2″ long and 13 and 1/4” wide
- Its package weight is 12.7 pounds
6. DasMarine 4 Step Stainless Steel Pontoon Boat Ladder
Next on our list is the DasMarine 4 Step Stainless Steel Pontoon Boat Ladder. This ladder is a heavy-duty all-welded 316 stainless steel 4-step pontoon ladder.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The telescoping, folding boat ladder has extra-wide telescoping steps, a design that gives passengers more comfort when boarding the boat. It also has extra-tall handrails, which make boarding easier for passengers.
This boat swim ladder can carry a maximum of 400 pounds and comes with quick-release mounting brackets. The package includes one 4-step pontoon ladder, one L-type wrench, one black storage clip, and a reusable bungee cord security strap.
Key Features and Benefits:
- The ladder can support a maximum weight of 400 pounds
- Made of heavy-duty all-welded 316 stainless steel with a diameter of 1.5″
- Telescopic ladder
- Can be easily mounted on the boat’s deck
- The ladder has a unique universal self-supporting design that needs no tube support or stand
- Has extra-wide steps
- The handrails are extra tall, making it easy to board the boat
7. JIF Marine EQB4 Over Platform Telescoping Boat Ladder, 4-Step
Next on our list of boat ladders is the JIF Marine EQB4 Over Platform Telescoping Boat Ladder.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This ladder is a 4-step over-the-platform ladder designed for swimmers. It is a drop ladder that telescopes down for convenient boarding of swimmers.
This ladder is made of durable and strong 316 stainless steel with a design to fold up for compact, easy storage. When deployed, its length is 44 inches, and its width is 13 inches. This JIF Marine ladder has a maximum capacity of 400 pounds.
Key Features and Benefits:
- This boat ladder has stainless steel steps with flat poly treads and hand grips
- The steps fold over flat on its platform, requiring minimum storage space
- It is a 4-step over platform telescoping ladder (can telescope and fold up on the deck or swim platform)
- Made of electro-polished 316 stainless steel
- Its maximum weight capacity is 400 pounds
- 44 inches long when deployed
- 18 inches long when stowed
8. Garelick/Eez-In Inflatable Boat Ladder – 3 Step
The Garelick/Eez-In Inflatable Boat Ladder is another one of our top picks for boat ladders. This inflatable boat ladder is a 3-step boat ladder that you can install on floorboards of 3/8”. It has a line and a swivel snap feature to lock in place.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The boat ladder can be used on inflatable or non-inflatable boats. It is made of a strong anodized aluminum tube with a 1-inch diameter. The steps are made of comfortable white molded polyester. This swim ladder for boats is manufactured by Garelick, a well-known company for producing aftermarket boat furnishings for more than 68 years.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made of a durable anodized aluminum tube (1-inch diameter)
- Can be attached to floorboards with 3/8 inch line and swivel snap
- The contour design of this boat ladder hugs the hull making it possible for side boarding of passengers or swimmers
- Comes with a vinyl sleeve that will not destroy hull fabric
- The ladder also comes with comfortable molded white poly steps
- Measures 15.4 x 5.4 x 17.4 inches when deployed
9. Prairie Metal Stainless Steel Telescoping Ladder
Next on our list is the Prairie Metal Stainless Steel Telescoping Ladder. This boat step ladder is a 4-step telescoping boat ladder that you can easily install on your boat to make boarding convenient and easy.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It also supports a maximum weight of 400 pounds. When deployed, it measures 45 inches long and 13 and 3/4 inches wide. It is only 17.3 inches long when stowed. This folding boat ladder is made by Prairie Metal, a well-established company producing aftermarket boat furnishings.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made of polished stainless steel that is highly resistant to corrosion
- Can carry up to 400 pounds of boarding weight
- Has extra-wide and open steps that ensure safe boarding when diving or swimming
- Deployed length is 45 inches
- Stowed length is 17.3 inches
- The box contains one ladder, one transom mounting bracket, and several screws for installation
- Package weight is 11.5 pounds
10. Pactrade Marine Boat Dive 3-Step Stainless Steel Ladder
The Pactrade Marine Boat Dive Ladder is another excellent choice on our list of best boat ladders. It is made of durable 2-inch diameter stainless steel.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
A quick-release transom mounting bracket in this folding boat ladder makes it very convenient for divers and swimmers. It is also a safe ladder to use because of the PVC non-slip treads that cover each step. This ladder can carry up to 400 pounds of boarding weight.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Ideal for boats with small mounting space
- Made of high-quality stainless steel with wrap-around PVC treads, making them non-slip and comfortable to the feet
- It provides easier and safer boarding
- There is a center bar that is obstacle-free and offers easy ascent
Conclusion – Boat Ladder Review – 10 Best Boat Ladders
So, to recap, the 10 best boat ladders in this boat ladder review are as follows:
- YaeMarine 4-Step Stainless Boat Ladder – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Rage Powersports Harbor Mate Telescoping Boat Ladder – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Pactrade Marine Pontoon Boat Under Deck 4-Step Flat Front Ladder
- Amarine Made Marine Pontoon Boat Heavy Duty 6 Step Telescoping Rear Entry Ladder
- Pactrade Marine Boat Universal Swim Over Platform Mount Telescopic Ladder
- DasMarine 4 Step Stainless Steel Pontoon Boat Ladder
- JIF Marine EQB4 Over Platform Telescoping Boat Ladder
- Garelick/Eez-In Inflatable Boat Ladder
- Prairie Metal Stainless Steel telescoping Ladder
- Pactrade Marine Boat Dive 3-Step Stainless Steel Ladder
