Boarding ladders

[coopec43]

I'm experimenting a bit here so bear with me.

I have built a transom boarding ladder but now I have to work out a way to raise it from deck level.

People have commented I should have a ladder amidships as sometimes it would be difficult to climb a transom ladder in a following sea.

The telescopic industrial ladders seems ideal but it is aluminum. How long would it last in a sea environment? (I suppose until you desperately wanted to use it!)

[coopec43]

Actually these are available in Europe but not in Australia?

BIG telescopic ladder for platform 5 steps €319.50 EUR* · In stock
Made of AISI316 stainless steel, with 57-cm wide steps for better comfort. 305-mm tube centre distance.

* Check website for latest pricing and availability. Images may be subject to copyright. Learn More


HEIGHT 1.415mm

[Manateeman]

Hi. The photo looks like you have a nice ladder. I don’t fully understand your post. Aluminum? My whole boat is aluminum. Powder coat it if you want a color match. You can’t board from the stern? What? If you fall off your boat, you’ll be so frightened, you can climb any ladder. You can use a short piece of line with a small float on the bottom rung and pick it up with a boat hook. Before you start drilling holes, think about where you would put a wind vane or a swim platform.
The more sterns you look at, the more you can evaluate what’s best for you.
Happy trails to you.
Mark and his manatee crew

[coopec43]

Thanks for those comments.

I'd have no qualms at all regarding aluminum if it was marine grade

When alloyed with other metals like magnesium, aluminum develops an even higher level of corrosion resistance that can tolerate constant contact with water and saltwater. These specially treated aluminum alloys are known as marine-grade aluminum.Mar 26, 2020

I'm not too sure what the aluminum ladder is made of but surely marine grade as it is a ladder? Alternatively I could go for a SS 316 ladder (see post #2)

Your idea of using a boat hook to raise the ladder is inspired!

Thanks

[a64pilot]

I took a West Marine ladder and made a few changes to it, it was a six step ladder that folded in the middle. I added a step and had a plate made that we bolted to the side of the boat to attach the ladder to, the ladder folds over the life line when raised and I disattach the lower half when we are in a Marina and don’t want any ladder in the water, but for boarding when swimming I have the lower half attached, this puts three rungs under water and that makes it very easy to climb.
I have a stern ladder, but it’s not nearly as easy to board from the stern, the stern is higher and pitches more in any seaway, amidships is a much better place to board a dinghy and or climb out of the water from.
Sugar scoop boats are why I believe people want to board from the stern, but midships is much easier if you aren’t sugar scooped.

[AA3JY]

We have slide mounts on both sides..

MYSTIC STAINLESS & ALUMINUM : THE FOLDAWAY

..so we can use it on either side..

[coopec43]

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying

https://www.westmarine.com/boat-ladders


Is yours this one?


Just looking at their site it is obvious I'll find a suitable ladder: length will be the biggest problem.

Mmmm.... "I have a stern ladder, but it’s not nearly as easy to board from the stern, the stern is higher and pitches more in any seaway"

You are confirming what others have told me

Thanks

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by AA3JY

We have slide mounts on both sides..

MYSTIC STAINLESS & ALUMINUM : THE FOLDAWAY

..so we can use it on either side..

Very interesting: I'll consider that.


Thanks.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by coopec43

I'm experimenting a bit here so bear with me.

I have built a transom boarding ladder but now I have to work out a way to raise it from deck level.

People have commented I should have a ladder amidships as sometimes it would be difficult to climb a transom ladder in a following sea.

The telescopic industrial ladders seems ideal but it is aluminum. How long would it last in a sea environment? (I suppose until you desperately wanted to use it!)

Ladder looks good and I like the width of the foot treads. Much easier on the feet.

Does it fold or do multiple folds to make into a smaller size to store?

Will agree a mid-ship ladder is easier to board at times. Also having several rungs in the water makes it easier to start climbing out of the water.

[coopec43]

Hi Bill

Yes it is foldable -please see picture

I wondered how I would raise it and was going to completely over-engineer it until comment Manateeman #3 suggested I use a boat hook. Problem solved!

I'm getting some excellent suggestions on mid-ship ladders. I'll install at least one and I will ensure it is able to be lowered by someone in the water.

Thanks for your comments.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by coopec43

Hi Bill

Yes it is foldable -please see picture

I wondered how I would raise it and was going to completely over-engineer it until comment Manateeman #3 suggested I use a boat hook. Problem solved!

I'm getting some excellent suggestions on mid-ship ladders. I'll install at least one and I will ensure it is able to be lowered by someone in the water.

Thanks for your comments.

Ok, that's good that it folds.

We also use a boat hook to bring ours up. Takes a little bit of juggling the hook and ladder, but doable.

[Calif.Ted]

I just tie a rope to the bottom rung of mine before I drop it (only forgot once or twice).

[acem]

Why don't people use rope ladders?

They were common years ago. Both my boats came with metal ladders but I don't like the look.

Thx-Ace

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by Manateeman

Hi. The photo looks like you have a nice ladder. I don’t fully understand your post. Aluminum? My whole boat is aluminum. Powder coat it if you want a color match. You can’t board from the stern? What? If you fall off your boat, you’ll be so frightened, you can climb any ladder. You can use a short piece of line with a small float on the bottom rung and pick it up with a boat hook. Before you start drilling holes, think about where you would put a wind vane or a swim platform.
The more sterns you look at, the more you can evaluate what’s best for you.
Happy trails to you.
Mark and his manatee crew

Off thread I know but you built an aluminum expedition yacht. WOW!





You must be very proud. Happy trails to you too!.

[Manateeman]

I built my first boat 60 years ago. This one took 10 . You can see it at Ted Brewer.com last aluminum sail Shenanigan. Everybody learns boatbuilding from somebody else...like my wife who shows me all my mistakes. I’m far from proud I’m too exhausted. But thank you.
I’m happy to get up every day without someone pushing on my chest to get my heart going.

Any ladder is better than none. Any ladder.
I see so many boats without a way of getting back onboard.
Beautiful and talented Natalie Wood. May she Rest In Peace.
Happy trails to you.
Mark and his manatee friends