Will the Lippert SureStep Free-Fit 5-Step Boat Ladder Fit a Pontoon With Limited Stern Space?

Published 10/31/2026

Question:

We have a pontoon boat that we use just about every weekend during the summer, and Im looking to replace our old swim ladder. The problem is that we dont have much room at the back of the boat for those tall, permanently mounted handrails. I came across the Lippert SureStep LC57FP and wondered if the handrails can be positioned differently to work around our deck layout. when were done swimming is it easy to take out of the water?

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

Hey Scott, the Lippert SureStep Free-Fit Retractable Boat Stern Ladder # LC57FP sounds like a great option for what you're working with! What makes this one different from a traditional pontoon ladder is that the handrails aren't locked into one fixed mounting position. The three piece Free-Fit handrail design gives you more flexibility to work around tighter spaces at the stern, so you have a better chance of keeping your boarding area accessible without having to rearrange everything on your deck.

And yes, getting the ladder out of the water is actually one of my favorite things about this design! The SureStep has a one step retraction system that lets you raise and lower the ladder while standing on the deck, so there's no awkward bending or reaching over the stern trying to pull it back up. That's especially nice when everyone's finished swimming and you're ready to head back to the dock. You're also getting five wide, slip resistant steps and a 400 lb weight capacity, which is a nice bonus when someone needs a little extra help getting back aboard.

Do you happen to know how much open deck space you have at the back of your pontoon where the ladder would mount?

expert reply by: Heather A