Emergency ladder

pugwash

pugwash

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So you fall overboard at your mooring in a swift tidal current, how do you get aboard again? I have always put my trust in a rope ladder hanging in a bag from the lower guard-rail but last summer, when I actually tried it out, I was horrified by how difficult it was for this codgerish bloke with not a lot of strength in his arms to get up. And I usually sail single-handed. So what to do? I am wondering about screwing flip-down mast steps to both sides of the transom-hung rudder, in a staggered pattern. Would this work? Is there any reason why not?
 
If you put anything in the water you will get drag. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Why not look at a stainless ladder which is normally folded up out of the water, but which can be lowered into the water with two or three rungs in the water, and can be released by a string attached to a catch. The string, with a knot on the end for cold hands, should not touch the water. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Getting back to the boat is easy, getting in is the problem.
 
I have seen steps on each side of a rudder, followed by one on the transom. I have to agree, however, that there would be a penalty from the drag. I have also seen steps added to the trailing edge of the rudder, they looked like little winglets. This seemed a reasonable idea, less drag than steps on the side of the rudder, but it looked a little odd. A ladder that can be released from the water is clearly the best bet, but the ladder must have at least two rungs below the water level.
 
TWO rungs below waterlevel. hard even for a codger to climb when wearing only a silly smile (sorry, thats the sort of disgusting behaviour of codgers when in the med)

practically impossible for a codger in full oilies in the north sea falling from a moving boat.

wear a jetpack - only answer.

actually why worry about it any more than you do about stepping off the kirb or falling down stairs, which are much more likely to kill you.

Actually, a better only answer - carry a hipflask to make the end happier.
 
Moving boat, or swift tide, on your own you are not going to get back? In the North Sea you won't last long but in the Med you'd better have some vino for the journey.

Wear a lifejacket, harness, and keep clipped on.
 
Just to be clear...

I'm talking about falling overboard while on a swing mooring in a river. Obviously it's a different story at sea.
 
Re: Just to be clear...

Simply hoist a weight equal to your own up the mast on the main halyard (these are quite easy to buy secondhand from demolition companies). Use a detachable rolling splice to the halyard tail led to a standard 90degree lever cleat at toe-rail height, led down to a weighted loop (suggest 2 ounce fishing weights every 3 inches).

Hoist the weight every time you moor up then if you do fall in you just need to put your foot in the loop and release the lever and will be gently lifted up to deck level.

When preparing to sail then knock the lever with your toe and the weight will come back down to cabin-top level.
 
Re: pugwash

ho ho that was in Tom & Jerry, also in the equally ridiculous Waterworld with Kevin Costalot.

Seriously, I always leave boarding ladder folded down when in port. If you fall in a spanish marina, there are no steps.
Also ladder interferes with stern cleat when up.

Also, no Monitor does not make a good ladder, far to many pointy and flappy bits.
 
Re: Just to be clear...

[ QUOTE ]
I'm talking about falling overboard while on a swing mooring in a river. Obviously it's a different story at sea.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not convinced - I went for a swim when the boat was moored up in the Menai Straits last year when it was almost slack water (<0.5 knots of tide), and I had to swim like hell to make any headway against it in just my speedos /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Where we moor there is regularly 2-3 knots of tide, and I'm 100% confident that I couldn't make it back to the boat if I fell OB, especially wearing wellies / oilies. Made up my mind to head for another mooring buoy / shore instead if it happens - & habitually wear the life-jacket.

YMMV.

Andy
 
Re: Just to be clear...

Firstly in my experience on a swing mooring when rigging up is the most likely place to fall overboard. I have several times come so close. 21 fter. I did in fact fall off someone elses baot 27 ft while pushing out from a jetty.
I think you(I) are more carefull when actually sailing.
I have a step mounted on the transom just above water line. By lurching up to grab the stern rail I can just haul myself aboard. Of recent times I fitted a piece of SS rod about 8mm diameter bend into a square U shape which can be folded from in the water down to provide a low step. I finnd however that it is hand holds at a suitable height that are just as important.

In any case you need to practice. I know I go on about our warm water and how I swim around under the boat a lot. It is just that I can't imagine having a boat and not being able to get in the water under it. (I am 60yo.)
So get a wet suit and get in the water and try out your boarding ladders. Certainly the folding down SS ladder is best. regards olewill
 
Re: Just to be clear...

One piece of vital advice. To be any use at all for a single hander, the steps must drop 5 feet into the water. You'll think this sounds mad, but have a look at how deep the steps go in the deep end of your local swimming pool. And remember you will be wearing many kg's of wet clothing. Any boarding steps that require you to reach up with your feet will be unusable. Try it in the swimming pool, using just 3 feet of the steps.
 
flexy rope based ladders are notoriously tough to use unless you are a trapeze artist or perhaps fireman.

A lightweight ladder at the stern is favourite, and not difficult to rig such that it can be pulled down. Frinstance, they are normally leaning in to boat upside down, pivot point lowest. So bungy cord so small cleat low down will hold it but also can be picked off by someone in the water - or the ladder be just pulled past the vertical and it comes down.

The five feet measurement is about right. First thing you do is catch your breath and stand on the bottom rung.

As a matter of course, you should put swimming ladder down at mooring or in marinas or be confident you can get aboard or pull it out without assistance.

At a mooring or anchorage with fast tide, praps chuck out either the rubber duck or a floating line with a fender tied on it which serves dual purpose of providing a catchable hold AND keeping other boats a reasonable distance away, provided you write "£50 per night " on the fender in clear permanent marker pen...
 
IN my dinghy sailing days getting back on board after a capsize was always a problem for me even in the limited but buoyant clothing (wetsuit and buoyancy aid I was wearing. I loved the Hobie 17. The stern would sink awash under my weight. Having slipped getting into the Avon 18 months ago, getting yourself out of the water is a major issue
 
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