transom ladder installation

[alibi]

Im about to mount a transom ladder. Is it best to install some wood block so I can drill thru the transom and wood and bolt the ladder on? Thanks for any advice

[paulk]

Putting in a backing block is probably a good idea to spread out the load. You can use wood, but might also want to consider a metal plate. (Wood may be crushed by the bolts, and can also rot, later on. ) Be sure to use plenty of bedding compound/silicone goop to keep the water OUT of the joint.

[GordMay]

YES
You need a backing plate; and (as Paulk says) Aluminum would be better than sealed wood backer.
Don’t forget to seal the transom mounting hole edges (epoxy), then bed the bolts & ladder mounting plate.
If your transom is cored, you should back-cut & remove the coring and in-fill with thickened epoxy (for crush-resistance, etc).
Regards,
Gord

[GordMay]

YES
You need a backing plate; and (as Paulk says) Aluminum would be better than sealed wood backer.
Don’t forget to seal the transom mounting hole edges (epoxy), then bed the bolts & ladder mounting plate.
Drill the bolt-holes perpendicular to the mounting surface.
If your transom is cored, you should back-cut & remove the coring and in-fill with thickened epoxy (for crush-resistance, etc).
Regards,
Gord

[alibi]

Thanks alot for the advice and metal plate seems like a good idea.