The 10 Best Boat Ladders
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in June of 2016. If you're planning on spending some quality time out on the water this year, make sure you and your crew of friends and family can get in and out of your boat easily and safely. This selection of marine ladders includes models with varying numbers of steps, many of which are telescopic, which allows you to adjust the height based on the type of watercraft you're using. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Hoffen Inboard
2. RecPro AL-A5
3. Jif Marine EQB4
Editor's Notes
February 09, 2020:
We took the Norestar Marine off the list because it was no longer available, and we removed the Garelick-EEz-In Combo due to poor craftsmanship. For a telescopic model, the Hoffen Inboard is built like a tank, which makes it a favorite for heavy individuals who feel uncomfortable using some of the flimsier models available. Older folks who struggle with mobility appreciate it as well. We upgraded this item.
We added the Pactrade PDSA0211, which differs from most standard ladders in that its rungs are attached to a single center bar (versus two side rails). This design gives it a small footprint, making it a nice choice if you have minimal space to work with on your boat.
We also added the RecPro AL-A5, a large, five-rung model with wide, deep steps. It’s made specifically for pontoons, but it will attach to a dock as well. In the Special Honors section, we included a doggy ladder for those who like to bring their canine friends along on their maritime adventures.
Special Honors
Pet Loader H20 For many dog lovers, a day on the lake with friends and family isn’t complete unless their beloved pet can join in on the fun. This wide platform features rubber matting to provide traction to help dogs clamber out of the water and into the boat. It’s available in multiple sizes. petloader.com
Lillipad Revo This versatile model can be installed in several locations around the boat. Unlike most traditional ladders, it’s made with a retracting strap that allows you to deploy it or pull it in from a standing position instead of kneeling or crouching. It has five rungs and accommodates up to 400 pounds. lillipadmarine.com
Up-N-Out Ultimate All Up-N-Out ladders are customizable, allowing you to choose from three mounting styles, four colors, and different step heights. The stainless steel bars won’t bend or warp over time, and they provide reliable rigidity so that users can maintain balance while climbing. scandiamarineproducts.com
4. Amarine-Made Swim Step
5. Amarine-Made Steel Board
6. Extreme Max Dock
7. Windline Gunwale
8. Pactrade PDSA0211
9. Rage Powersports SP-3S
10. Boatersports Pontoon
In addition to his corporate career as a marketing and communications professional in Chicago, Sam runs a popular blog that focuses on the city’s flourishing craft beer and brewery scene. He received his degree in journalism from DePaul University (which spurred his interest in freelance writing) and has since spent years developing expertise in copywriting, digital marketing and public relations. A lifetime of fishing, hiking and camping trips has left him well-versed in just about any outdoors-related topic, and over several years spent working in the trades during his youth, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge about tools and machinery. He’s a travel junkie, a health and fitness enthusiast, and an avid biker.