According to the manager of this family owned company in Wisconsin, these shorter fishing pontoons (17') with live well doesn't lend its self to a door on that side. I can see that they just don't want to change their construction method of the railings. It would be fairly easy to add one further back than where I had to put mine. I'm certain others would have the same problem with docking from a blind side.
Anyway, it's in the water at the dock and worked just as needed.

Jim, I like the small deck on your pontoon in front of the railing on the bow. My 2003 Fiesta Fish N Fun Deluxe 16' had that and I miss it on this boat. That boat had a 30HP Nissan 4 stroke and this one a 40HP Honda 4 stroke. This Honda is the quietest motor I'v ever had.

You might make me do it, but you can't make me like it.