Telescopic Stainless Steel Ladder for Swim Platform AISI316 – 2-Step / 3-Step / 4-Step

Enjoy the convenience of a swim ladder that’s there when you need it and invisible when you don’t, with our Telescopic Stainless Steel Boarding Ladder. Specially engineered for installation on swim platforms (either underneath or on top), this ladder can telescope out for use and then collapse into itself for safe, compact storage. The result is a clutter-free platform and a ladder that doesn’t detract from your boat’s sleek lines or cause drag in the water when retracted.

Key features:

• Telescoping Design: The ladder is composed of multiple sliding sections (usually two or three sections, depending on the number of steps). For example, the 3-step model often has two sliding sections: one fixed to the platform and one that slides out with two steps. The 4-step model might have three sections (two sliding within the fixed section). When retracted, these sections nest inside one another, reducing the ladder’s length by roughly half or more. This means a 1155mm (115.5cm) ladder can retract to around 395mm (39.5cm) – significantly saving space. A built-in locking mechanism (spring-loaded pins or locking tabs) engages when the ladder is fully extended, ensuring it will not collapse while someone is on it. You simply push the ladder in slightly to disengage and then slide it back in to stow.
• Fold-Down Capability: In addition to telescoping, the ladder is hinged at the mounting bracket, allowing it to fold up onto the platform or under it. Many installations are under-platform: the ladder stores beneath the swim platform, out of sight. A latch holds it in the stowed (folded) position to prevent accidental deployment. When you want to use the ladder, you unlatch it, fold it down into the water, and then pull the telescoping sections out. Alternatively, for an on-platform mount, you fold it over the platform edge and telescope it down. In both cases, you get a full-length ladder for boarding, then a neat, compact unit when retracted.
• High-Quality Build: Made of 316 stainless steel, the ladder’s rails and rungs are polished and corrosion-resistant. Even the telescoping mechanisms are designed for the marine environment, with plastic bushings or washers to allow smooth sliding without metal-to-metal galling. The ladder rungs have plastic non-slip treads similar to our other ladders, providing good grip for wet feet and clearly visible step area. The end caps and certain sliding components are often made of tough polycarbonate or nylon, which prevents rattling and metal contact (reducing wear and noise).

Available Sizes and Usage:
We have 2-step, 3-step, and 4-step telescopic ladder models:

• The 2-step telescopic ladder is compact, often used for small platforms or bow ladder applications (e.g., on the bow of a boat for beach landings). It typically has one sliding section and two wide steps. Deployed length is around 625mm (with ~345mm when closed). This is best suited for very low platforms or low freeboard boats where only one or two steps are needed in water (like a small runabout or RIB where you just need a boost to get in).
• The 3-step telescopic ladder is a popular choice for many standard powerboats and sailboats. Extended, it’s about 890mm long (with roughly 370mm closed length). It offers two steps in the water plus one at platform level. This works well for platforms about 0.3–0.5m above the water. It’s perhaps the most common size for swim platforms on boats in the 18–30 ft range.
• The 4-step telescopic ladder, with about 1155mm extended (395mm retracted), is geared towards boats with a higher freeboard or for users who simply want that extra step in the water for ease. The lowest step will go deeper, which is great for very tall boats or for older swimmers to have an easier first step. Use this on platforms 0.5–0.7m above water or if you have frequent swimmers who appreciate more gradual climbing. Many larger yachts (30+ ft) and sport cruisers choose a 4-step to ensure comfort.

Mounting Bracket:
The ladder comes with a robust mounting bracket made of stainless steel. For under-platform mounting, the bracket is typically a rectangular stainless plate that screws to the bottom of the platform, with the ladder hinged to it. We include all necessary stainless steel hardware for installation (screws or bolts as appropriate). The bracket has stops to hold the ladder in the correct deployed angle (~ angled slightly outward from vertical). If mounting on top of the platform, the bracket will be positioned at the platform’s edge, and the ladder will fold over that edge.

Safety & Convenience:
Telescopic ladders are highly regarded because they save space and reduce trip hazards. When retracted, there’s no long ladder on deck to interfere with movement. Also, these ladders often feature a slight angle and curved shape when deployed, which can make climbing more comfortable (the steps are not completely vertical, depending on mounting). The telescoping sections are designed so they cannot extend too far or come apart – internal stops prevent the sections from pulling out fully. Additionally, look for features like a ring or strap that you can pull to deploy the ladder from above (some models include a pull strap so you don’t have to reach under the platform to start pulling it out).

Corrosion Resistance:
All metal parts are AISI316, suitable for saltwater. It’s a good idea to occasionally rinse the ladder after use to keep the telescoping action smooth (salt crystals can cause stiffness if left to dry in the slides). A bit of silicone spray or corrosion blocker can be applied to the sliding tracks periodically to maintain ease of movement. However, the design is such that it’s self-draining and doesn’t trap water inside, thus minimizing corrosion potential.

Why Choose a Telescopic Ladder?
If you appreciate a clean, uncluttered transom or if you have limited space, the telescopic ladder is ideal. It’s also less likely to get caught on dock lines or fishing lines when retracted. Many boat builders incorporate these for their sleek integration. Upgrading to a telescopic ladder can be a noticeable improvement – it modernizes your boat’s functionality and appearance. It’s especially advantageous for families; even younger kids can help pull out the ladder (under supervision) because it’s lightweight and slides easily.

Whether it’s for your weekend swim off the back of the boat, an emergency re-boarding ladder, or a convenient way to board from a sandbar or low dock, this telescoping swim ladder offers versatility and quality. With multiple sizes available, you can choose the perfect model that suits your vessel’s needs. When it’s time to enjoy the water, simply flip down, pull out, and climb aboard!