I'm looking for a boarding ladder, preferably jack plate mount. I've never seen one installed so I'm asking for opinions. I'm wondering how into the water the first step is when deployed. This isn't going to be an emergency ladder that will likely never get used as such but a way to get back in the boat when we are using the boat to play with water toyes and swimming so it will see some use. I don't want anyone to have to put their knee under their chin to reach the first step, so it needs to be easy for adults to use. Any one with personal experiences with these ladders? All opinions welcome.

My ladder isn't attached to the jackplate but is mounted to the transom and deck, it has a fold down first step that is low enough in the water to work well. Never have had a problem with the step falling while under way. Don't know the brand, came on the boat.....

My boat is a Seaark so I have no deck to attach it to. Garelick has a couple that are transom mount and the ladder detaches from the mount when not being used. I'm leaning towards that since the boat is used for recreation, fishing, and running service calls.

I'd look for one that can attach like a dog ladder would.

I had an "All Aboard" ladder that attached to my motor mount/jack plate on my last boat. You press a button the the stair drops about a foot and a half (below the bottom of the boat). When you are done, press the same button, pull the bottom portion of the ladder up and it locks in place.

New (to me) boat has a retractable ladder installed.