Gangway/passerelle feedback

[Ostinato]

I've decided to buy rather than make a gangway. Has anyone had any experience with folding Osculati gangways? Do they stand up? Are parts easy to get.

Are there any other brands that seem to do well.

[Phoenician]

I have a GS-Composite gangway, the "Optima" model - a cheaper version of their full carbon product line. I am very happy with it, at 2.6 m it is much lighter than my previous 2m Aluminium gangway.

To be honest I regret not having splurged and gotten the full carbon one, several of my neighbours have it, and it is not only extremely light and robust, but beautiful to look at also...

[Ostinato]

Why did you replace your aluminum gangway? Did it develop a problem that could not be easily repaired? Composite versus aluminum is a question for me.

[Phoenician]

Originally Posted by Ostinato

Why did you replace your aluminum gangway? Did it develop a problem that could not be easily repaired? Composite versus aluminum is a question for me.

2 reasons:

1- Weight
2- Handling. The composite gangway's profile is so thin, it stores easily in a tight spot in the lazarette

[enjoy]

So we're in the market for a passerelle now for our 42' Lagoon and wonder what length to buy.

The Optima is least expensive ($1K) and light but only is 8' 6 (260 cm).

To get a 10'/3 mtr, we're looking at significantly more bucks in carbon fibre ($4K) or swi-tec aluminum and 49 lbs. ($2.5K).

We do have davits and a dinghy in the back, and are concerned that the 260 cm may not be long enough with med mooring when on non floating docks and very low tide.

Thoughts? If you were to do it over again?

[Phoenician]

FYI, I have now switched to the full carbon 260 cm gangway, and couldn't be happier. (they no longer make the Optima model btw).

Length wise, it works for me, but only you can judge if 260cm is suitable for your Lagoon. FWIW, I just saw on their website that GS Composite now make a 320 cm model weighing in at only 16.5 kg...

[enjoy]

Interesting, can you advise why you upgraded? Is it because of supported weight or the Optima didn't deliver the goods for some reason?

And, yes, best to wait to hear from other Catamaran owners with rear davits regarding 260 versus 3 meter...

[SailRedemption]

Originally Posted by Phoenician

FYI, I have now switched to the full carbon 260 cm gangway, and couldn't be happier. (they no longer make the Optima model btw).

Length wise, it works for me, but only you can judge if 260cm is suitable for your Lagoon. FWIW, I just saw on their website that GS Composite now make a 320 cm model weighing in at only 16.5 kg...

If you don't mind, how much is the full carbon model roughly?

[Phoenician]

1). I changed for the weight. The full carbon is so much lighter than the Optima or any aluminium gangway of that size.

2). I think the price was around 1,800 euros ex vat.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[enjoy]

Originally Posted by Phoenician

FYI, I have now switched to the full carbon 260 cm gangway, and couldn't be happier. (they no longer make the Optima model btw).

Length wise, it works for me, but only you can judge if 260cm is suitable for your Lagoon. FWIW, I just saw on their website that GS Composite now make a 320 cm model weighing in at only 16.5 kg...

Note you can still get the Optima from these folks at a fair price. We're probably going with Swi-tec tho.

Carbon gangways in length 220, 260 or 320 cm, all foldable. You can see them here: http://www.gs-composite.com/en/Carbon_gangways/

Polyurethane gangways OPTIMA, length 220 or 2260 cm, all foldable. This gangways are more low-costs gangways. You can see them here: http://www.gs-optima.com/

GS Composite

P:+386(0)41 777 889

www.gs-composite.com