Bathing ladder - essential safety tool?

[prv]

I have a detachable fold down one that attaches amidships, positioned by previous as it's the lowest part of the boat! It wouldn't be any good to have on whilst sailing but I can get up via the bobstay on mine if I fall in...

I think they're standard (or at least a factory option) on Crabbers. I had the same. As for having it fitted while sailing, I did once forget to bring it inboard after swimming - only noticed when trying to track down the strange humming noise that appeared whenever we went over four knots

I think your stern is squarer than mine; trying to mount a ladder on my counter would be absurd. The ladder amidships is fine for swimming (I hang a manrope from the runner block to make it even easier to climb out) and ideal for dinghy work in a tideway.

Pete

 

[alahol2]

Are you sure you can operate the hook from the water. It looks rather high

Yes, the hook is about 18" above the waterline but it's not actually necessary to unhook it. Just slide the loop off to the side and the ladder can extend. The ladder is stiff enough to stay up on its own, the loop is belt and braces.

 

[Scubadoo]

Although discussion have been about yachts, this is also a problem on motor boats and has been on my mind for a while. In my case I have a tender on snap davits which prevents deploying the bathing platform ladder. So I have decided to fit a flush mount ladder to the beam when the boat is lifted later this month:

http://www.foxsonline.com/acatalog/Plastimo-Flushmont-Safety-Ladder-51558.html
http://www.force4.co.uk/3628/Force-4-Flushmount-Emergency-Ladder.html

 

[alahol2]

Can anyone confirm that it is possible to climb a rope ladder that extends below hull level? I've tried and found it virtually impossible because the lower part just disappears under the boat and you are left hanging by your arms. In full clothing I reckon it would be totally impossible.

 

[TQA]

Can anyone confirm that it is possible to climb a rope ladder that extends below hull level? I've tried and found it virtually impossible because the lower part just disappears under the boat and you are left hanging by your arms. In full clothing I reckon it would be totally impossible.

Yes it is possible but you do need a fair bit of upper body strength. I have such a set up for snorkeling from my rib tender. I can JUST get back on board the dink without the rope ladder

Here is my solution for the big boat. It is possible to deploy the SS part from the water.

 

[davidpbo]

Shown before but worth repeating... This ladder extends well below the waterline and is regularly used to re-board after swimming. Can be extended easily from in the water. Mine's a bit scruffy because I got it second hand. Here's a new one...http://www.securefixdirect.com/4-step-fold-away-telescopic-boarding-ladder-stainless-steel-1353-p.asp

That looks like a possibility for me. It is of concern that I do not have a bathing ladder that goes below the water, I also have a boarding platform>




I am wondering if a fixed the ladder on the transom whether I would be able to negotiate the platform.

 

[prv]

I am wondering if a fixed the ladder on the transom whether I would be able to negotiate the platform.

Surely you'd mount the ladder on the platform? The type that Alahol has would do nicely, lying flat on the platform and then swinging round through 270° for use.

Pete

 

[davidaprice]

I am wondering if I fixed the ladder on the transom whether I would be able to negotiate the platform.

Swedish firm Båtsystem makes a very wide range of bathing ladders, including some telescoping ladders designed to fit on the underside of a bathing platform:

Go to http://www.batsystem.se, click the British flag then ladders and bathing ladders.

 

[davidpbo]

Surely you'd mount the ladder on the platform? The type that Alahol has would do nicely, lying flat on the platform and then swinging round through 270° for use.

Pete

Yes that probably would be best, but the wooden slats only rest on on the tubular stainless steel frame secured by some cable ties.
Some mods to the platform or ladder, possibly involving welding would probably be required. I have always hoped to come across a bottom half for the existing ladder (That was presumably removed when the platform was fitted) to experiment with. The secure fix ladder at £80 is of some interest though and the likely modifications not too onerous.

The Batsystem ladders are also of interest and I will investigate the cost.

 

[JohnGC]

I have found this thread interesting and thought provoking; both its original 5 year old content and the more recent posts. For me, one of the great strengths of the forum is the ability to access threads from so long ago as they become relevant to me. Five years ago I didn't own a yacht.

Thank you to those who responded to my post regarding catches and hitches for ladders. My boarding ladder is 'L' shaped when stowed, hinges on the sugar scoop and easily deployed. I will experiment with snap shackles and the highwayman's hitch.

 

[charles_reed]

Gosh, like Jim, his posts have an extended, active, life.

To answer the last poster, my ladder, like his hinges down.

Having been cast into the water on several occasions by crew mistakes (believe me single-handed sailing is far safer) I have a little plastic "carbine" hook, about 25mm long which hooks onto the staple on the fixed part of the ladder. This is quite easily deformed by an anxious swimmer wanting to get out.

ORC rules give a minimum distance below the water that statutory, fixed, boarding ladders should project - from memory it's 30".
As the ORC regs are minimalist commonsense fitting standards for all boats I'd suggest that not having one is commensurate with having no lifejackets, no navigation gear and no idea of boat-handling.

 

[ostell]

My boarding ladder is 'L' shaped when stowed, hinges on the sugar scoop and easily deployed.

But how easy is it to deploy if you are in the water? A loop of rope from the bottom rung hanging just above the water would allow you the leverage to lower it. Fix the other end of the loop so that it holds the rope in place above the water. At least it looks as though the bottom rung would be below the water.