Most boaters have fired off the engines and took off from the sandbar, anchorage or dive spot and forgot to bring in the boarding ladder at least once. I know I have done it a time or two myself. (I’ve forgotten to haul in the chum bag on rare occasion, too.) When this happens, the ladder can break free and get lost and fasteners can pull out leading to fiberglass–or at least, gelcoat–repairs.
Along comes Intelliboat Ladder Sensor. This small, smart, device provides a visual and audible warning if the ladder is down when the ignition key is switched on. Installation proved easy. First, find a spot at the helm for the compact, weather-resistant 2-1/2” x 1-3/4” display. Next, drill a ¼-inch hole for the wires and connect so that the device is energized when your ignition key is turned on. Next, peel the backer off the special 3M tape and press in place.
The sensor is even smaller—about the size of my thumb—and attaches to your swim ladder with a tie-wrap and the same super-sticky tape. It’s powered by a coin-shape battery, two of which are supplied in the package. It’s important that the sensor not get submerged. We mounted it on our test boat’s ladder on the rail above the highest rung.
Finally, the unit is programmed with the ladder in the “stowed” position. We left the ladder down on purpose and could not ignore the sound of the alarm or the bright light of the display.
Now , if only they’d make one that would work for my chum bag.
$109.99, http://www.intelliboat.com/
ANOTHER SOLUTION TO PREVENT DAMAGED LADDERS
