Sometimes I feel like a walrus heaving itself out of the water when I try to gracefully get back in the boat after tubing. And when your Uncle Dave has been the one pulling you, your hands are already cramping from siezing hold of the handles for dear life because you've heard how water feels like concrete when you smack it at lightspeed—so it's not like you can grab onto Uncle Dave's offered arm to help yourself up. Your hand strength is as useless as chopsticks at a steakhouse. (Plus you know your puckish uncle is going to push you back in again before you gain your balance, the little rascal).
You feel me? For those looking for a permanent solution to help you gracefully get out of the water this summer, the Garelick 3-step Swinger Pontoon Ladder is worthy of a closer look. The ladder attaches to your pontoon's port or starboard side gate and it swings horizontally from its brackets, then up or down into position quickly.
Double-walled 1-inch diameter anodized aluminum tubing is coated to help prevent saltwater corrosion and weathering, so it's versatile and durable. The anodized aluminum folding standoffs have cushioned tips and stainless steel mounting hardware and the fold-up securing strap is included for a total of $192.99 on the West Marine website. To check it out, click here (or you can always call 800-262-8464).
You'll never have to trust your uncle's proffered hand again. Just swing down that ladder and ascend like a dove—but make sure he's on the other side of the boat first.
