Premier Introduces Self-Retracting Ladder

Pontoon boat manufacturer Premier Marine has announced the introduction of its proprietary Ricochet self-retracting boarding ladder, available on its 2016 product line.

“This ladder is one of Premier’s proudest accomplishments,” says Dave Grovender, product development manager. “Our ladder truly solves a real inconvenience when spending time with family and friends on the water. The mechanical design is so simple, yet so effective.”

If the boat is driven forward with the ladder still deployed, a patent-pending gas spring system automatically pulls the ladder to a safe, retracted position without input from anyone on the boat. Forgetting to retract the ladder is a reasonably common occurrence, says the company, and water pressure from the engine’s thrust can easily bend the telescoping frame, destroying it. An online video shows the product in action.

The Ricochet is among three new revolutionary features that Premier introduced in its 2016 models. Other innovations include the first triple engines and the first 42-inch PTX package—both found on the new Dodici model.

“Innovation has always been woven into our fabric here at Premier,” says Lori Melbostad, president of Premier. “We’re not looking to reinvent the way boaters enjoy the water. We’re just hoping to make it a little easier, and a little more fun.”

Premier Marine builds 94 models of pontoon boats between its Premier, Palm Beach, Weeres and Leisure brands. Headquartered in Wyoming, Minn., the family-owned and -operated company has a dealer network located throughout the United States and Canada.