A LEG UP

Q: Dear Boat Doctor, I’m hoping you can help me out or point me in the right direction. While quickly trying to set up the folding swim ladder on our family’s 2000 Crest III pontoon boat, we accidentally tossed it overboard. Unfortunately, we have not had any luck finding a replacement swim ladder. I’ve called Crest and checked online but have not had any luck. Any help you can offer to help us find a replacement folding swim ladder for our 2000 Crest III would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Gary Raczek Winfield, Illinois

A: First, try using a grappling hook. You can make one, use a fisherman’s “bridge gaff” or even buy one for less than $20 according to a quick internet search I performed. If you can’t snag and retrieve your sunken ladder, check out aftermarket ladders such as those by Toonmate, which are available at Overton’s.