Fender Step/Ladder

[anniebray]

We have decided to equip our boat with something more handyl than aluminium step ladders. We have a twin keeler & often dry out on pontoons where there can be a huge height diffence between pontoon & deck.
There are several versions of ladder/step fenders on the market & we would be most grateful for advice on which type is the best choice.

 

[gwc2004]

I carry a fender step made by Anchor and it words well as a step, being deep enough to get a good toe hold and also as an occasional extra fender.

 

[MoodySabre]

Our boat has fairly high airdraft and she of little legs found it a bit of a stretch so I bought one of the triangular fender steps like this
http://www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk/vShop/data/images/thumb/stepw2.jpg
but with it tied to the toe rail it is still a bit low. Next time I would buy one of these
http://www.baselinemarine.com/images/prod_imgs/8835.jpg

You can buy a ladder type as well.

The expensive option for me would be a wife with long legs /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[bedouin]

I would say that if you want it to serve as both a fender and a ladder at the same time then you have to go for the "ladder" type. Those that are just a single step are all very well but if you mount them in such a way that they are acting as a fender they will have to be at pontoon level - so be of no use at all as a step.

 

[vyv_cox]

We have two types. I made up a ladder after seeing one in New Zealand. It consists of two Plastimo fenders in which the attaching line passes right through the centre of the fender. Short fat ones work best. Make up the step from any timber, with a hole at each end. Thread the line through the lower step, then the fender, then the upper step. Now do the other side. Another pair of fenders and step could be added if necessary. Tie off the lines to a strong point on board. This ladder works very well as the fenders keep the feet off the topsides. I would post a photo but Photobucket doesn't seem to be running.

I also have a fender/ladder. It's heavy and doesn't work particularly well. Bought from Force 4, it's blue with three steps.

 

[anniebray]

Now that sounds a good idea I'll think on that !
Your criticism about the Force 4 ladder was just the sort of practical feed back I was after.

 

[Salty John]

If you don't want it combined with a fender:
http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/step_up_boarding_step.htm

 

[Billjratt]

I have a very useful 4 step collapsing ladder with ball-ends at the top, which fit securely into sockets mounted to the outside of the hull at the gate on each side. It consists of 4 wooden treads, connected by a folding nylon trellis with rubber feet at the lower end. It can be used fully lowered to reach the waterline, or in "packed mode" as a single step, eg, from a pontoon. I've attached a curtain of canvas to the back to stop black toe-marks on the hull - the only modification required. Can't rate it high enough for stability, having previously had several contraptions that swung sideways alarmingly.

 

[AIDY]

if you go for the fender ladder step. make sure you can get your foot in. SWMBO can with her tiny feet. but a chap with size 10 dubarry boot or deck shoes can't

 

[vyv_cox]

Photobucket seems to be accessible to me now. Here's our fender ladder.

Get the fattest fenders you can so your foot goes on the rungs nicely.

The bits of blue polypropylene are for the rungs' other duty as protection for my toe rails when we haul out.