Howell Flip-Up Dock Ladder, 4-Step

Comments about Dock Edge Howell Flip-Up Dock Ladder, 4-Step:

Installed on my floating swim dock a couple of years and immediately discovered that it is VERY difficult if not impossible to align the swivel "key" in the round hole that allows it to rotate up. If you are looking for a ladder that easily rotates up out of the water for storage this is absolutely not it.

Comments about Dock Edge Howell Flip-Up Dock Ladder, 4-Step:

I had a hard time during assembly because a set of holes on one of the tubings for the steps were not centered that the bolts would not go in. I re drilled in order to complete the assembly. QC should do a better job.

Comments about Dock Edge Howell Flip-Up Dock Ladder, 4-Step:

Floppy. Bare metal parts are sure to corrode.

Comments about Dock Edge Howell Flip-Up Dock Ladder, 4-Step:

Tried to use this on a swim platform. Only used the top four mounts, since the welds blocked the use of the front mounts and the bolts through the front mounts would have split the decking. Welds corroded and fatigued, ladder broke in less than one season.

Comments about Dock Edge Howell Flip-Up Dock Ladder, 4-Step:

Purchased a four step to replace my worn out dock ladder that's constantly submerged. This was one of the only designs that gets the ladder completely out of the water when folded. It was easy to assemble and mount. Even with only four horizontal mounting points, it held securely to the dock. I didn't use the vertical mount points because the ladder does not sit completely flush against the wall of the dock due to the welds. Not an issue at all, however.

I would recommend a couple of improvements. First, there needs to be some type of strap to help unlock and lift the ladder after its deployed. Reaching down to do it puts you in an awkward position and it would be easy to fall off the dock if you aren't careful! I tied a long loop of rope around the posts below the third step and can lift the ladder that way. Very easy solution. Second, the locking mechanism could be smoother when deploying from a stored position. If the ladder is not held up the whole way during deployment, it can bind. Neither is a show stopper and everyone who has used the ladder loves it! Best of all, with it out of the water when stored, I expect it to last a good bit longer than the submerged one!