Broken Rear Ladder on 09 Challenger 180 SE - With Solution

[seadooguynj]

I wanted to make this post to share the information I was able to find (with some help of this forum) with everyone here as I am probably not the only person who had a problem with the rear ladder on a 2009 Challenger SE 180 or possibly other boats with the same or similar ladder. The ladder has two rungs, bottom is fixed in place on the unit and the top is also fixed but by internal parts. The internal parts, which turned out to be washers of sorts, somehow either broke or went missing. I tried to get the dealer to fix it but they claim all they could offer was an entire new ladder. The rest of my ladder was just fine, except for one part. In Photo #1 is a "normal" looking ladder, how it should look. In Photo #2 is the problem I had (notice how the left side of the top step is dropped down). The third photo is the repair parts to make the ladder work correctly again. The parts are available from windline.com (but you have to call to order because repair parts are not on the website, yet anyway I was told). I found that it was repairable by calling them and describing the problem. The part number for the repair kit is "PP52 Washer Kit" and the cost was $5.50 including USPS First Class Shipping (which beats a near ladder assembly at $150+). I hope the info. here helps someone that might be in a similar situation. Please feel free to comment or ask questions if you have any.

 

[yardawg]

Cant install

Hi,
I've got a 08 that did the same thing. I got the parts from the ladder manufacturer for free, but I can't seem to get the installed. How did you get the c clips to fit around the ladder. I can't seem to get a grip on the clip inside the grove in the step. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[seadooguynj]

I used a set of vice grips that have needle-nose like ends on them to hold the washer in the proper alignment. I then used a small punch with a flat head and hit the punch gently with a hammer until it literally snapped in the washer. It was a little tricky to do and would be easier with two people. Just don't go crazy with the hammer, especially alone with your other hand so close and for safety I would suggest you wear glasses or goggles in case something goes wrong and hits you in the face. It can be done with one person, just have patients. If you are not sure of the tools I am talking about (or if my description of them sucks) let me know and I will post a photo of them. Hope this helps!

 

[moochy]

Hi guys, instead of starting a new thread I thought I would add to this one. Today I totalled my ladder :-( looks like. Ill be in need of a new one including the brackets etc. anyone know the best place and part number of what I need?

 

[RFoster130]

windline.com is who makes most of the sea doo boat ladders. they can sell you parts or a whole new ladder. It looks like TDL-2 is your ladder. Double check pics and measurements to be sure though.

 

[moochy]

Ok heres the official word from windline.

Hi,
All of the ladders made for Sea Doo were special order and they were not on the website or catalogs. We are not making ladders for them since they have ceased making boats. We had ladders already made and they were all shipped to Sea Doo last year. You may want to contact their corporate office and have them point you to an authorized dealer that has stock.
Thank You


What i reckon is diffrent is those top brackets from the TDL-2

 

[RFoster130]

I think they are telling you some BS. Im almost positive other guys here have bought the ladders from them and they bolted right on.

 

[LilMikey]

Hate to resurrect this thing, but windline.com isn't replying to my emails. Did anyone find an 'authorized reseller' willing to sell just the washers? Does an '06 Challenger also use the PP52 kit?

Thanks!

 

[seadooguynj]

Here is the email for the person I worked with, she was very helpful: mandy.p@lobostar.com The part number for the replacement items is in fact PP52 and the part number for the entire ladder assembly (at least on my boat) is UP-2. The cost of the replacement washers was $5.50 including shipping. I ordered it with that person via email and it arrived quickly. To install is a little tricky but definitely do-able if you have the right tools. Let me know if there is any other way I can help.

 

[LilMikey]

Either they are reading these forums or their timing is impeccable as Mandy P emailed me minutes after your post. She's setting me up.

If anyone else has ladder problems, that's the email address to use.

Thanks guys!

 

[seadooguynj]

I am glad you got it resolved. If you need help installing the parts just let me know. Best of luck.

 

[LilMikey]

Thanks seadooguy! From the description above I think I get the idea but if I run into problems I might be bother you.

 

[seadooguynj]

Very welcome, glad to be able to help out. Good luck with everything!