Metal Ladder Socket for Ø25 mm Ladder – 70×37 mm Base

This metal ladder socket (mounting bracket) is designed to securely hold the top end of your removable boat ladder. The socket has a compact footprint – approximately 70 mm in length by 36–37 mm in width at the flange – and a low-profile shape so that once installed it sits nearly flush against the surface without protruding significantly. The internal opening of the socket is sized for roughly a 25 mm diameter tube, which matches the common tube size of most boarding ladders (typically 22–25 mm). This ensures compatibility with a wide range of portable or folding ladders used on boats.

Functionality: Ladder sockets like these are usually mounted in pairs – two sockets aligned horizontally at the appropriate distance apart to receive the two side rails of a ladder. For example, on your boat’s swim platform or transom, you would install two of these sockets spaced to match the width of your ladder’s uprights. When the ladder is placed, the ends of its rails drop into the sockets, which hold it in position and prevent it from sliding or dislodging during use. This provides a secure attachment point so you can climb the ladder with confidence that it won’t shift.

Installation is straightforward. Each socket has two pre-drilled holes for screws or bolts. It’s recommended to use stainless steel fasteners for strength and longevity. Position the socket at the desired location (commonly on a swim deck or transom where you intend to hook the ladder), mark the hole positions, drill pilot holes, and fasten it using bolts or screws. Applying a marine sealant under the flange is a good practice to seal any holes. Be sure to measure and mount the second socket at the correct distance from the first – equal to the spacing of the ladder’s side rails. Most ladder designs have standard widths, but it’s wise to double-check with your ladder before drilling.

Once these bases are installed, attaching the ladder becomes quick and easy – you simply insert the ladder’s top ends into the sockets at a slight angle and then let it drop down vertically until it seats fully. The ladder is then secure: the sockets cradle the ladder’s tubing and keep it from wobbling, allowing users to climb up or down safely. To remove the ladder, you just lift it straight up until the legs disengage from the sockets. When the ladder is not in use, the sockets remain unobtrusively in place, with a sleek appearance. They could even serve other uses – for instance, you might slip the end of a boat hook or flag staff into a socket if it fits, improvising a holder when needed.