'Gang plank' bracket.

[pcatterall]

We're not posh enough for a passerelle ! We need to get a better arrangement at the pointy end as it is getting more difficult ( old age) when we moor bow to.
Currently we have a ladder with wheels which we just lash onto the pointy bit. We have plywood panels which bridge the ladder steps and they have none slip paint.
I have seen an arrangement with a tube pushed through 2 holes each side of the bow the ladder clips onto the tube which I guess would be withdrawn when sailing!
Our Neptunian has 6" high gunwales at the bow so possibly we could fit a tube through them rather than make holes in the hull ( through the anchor locker)
This arrangement means we would board from just to the side of the furled genoa and not have to climb the pulpit where it rakes forward.
I will have a good measure up on our next visit but any ideas would be welcome in advance. Pictures would be great.

 

[doug748]

Could you get a bar through the closed fairleads perhaps? I think you are on the right track thinking about arriving at the side of the bow. Perhaps there is even scope for a side opening gate, or a longer plank that finishes well aft of the bow.
Motorcycle loading ramps are very light, strong and cheap some are extra wide and they fold up small. Perhaps worth looking at those, some are rated for humping Harley Davidsons around so are good for 1500 lbs

With such substantial bulwarks it may be possible to have a purpose made hanger so the top of the gang plank is alongside but a good step below, the height of the deck.

Only snap I could find of similar thinking:

.

 

[Neeves]

Photos would help.

I think as Doug and yourself are saying. Consider a plank with the boat end cut to fit one side of the bow. As you suggest, I think, two tubes fixed to the underside of the plank and have two tubes attached to the bow, the tubes attached to bow fitting inside the tubes on the underside of the plank. The two tubes on the bow are hung over the bulwark, so I'm thinking of them being inverted 'U' shapes with the tubes protruding forward. The two inverted tubes would be joined together. With such high bulwarks the inverted 'U's would be quite 'deep' and if joined together quite stable. But you can obviously lash the plank as well. Motorcycle ramps also sound a good idea - but I'm not sure they are all long enough (but then I don't know what length you need). You could have an rope as hand rail from the forestay to the plank end if you make another bracket to take a hefty round rod, stainless or wood. I'd attach a piece of wood to form a 'T' with the plank (removable) to give the plank more stability at the dock end - I think I'd call it a Passerelle.

As well as motorcyclcle ramps you can buy plastic 'boards' used to drive 4x4 over very soft ground. They are light (and brightly coloured) and possibly too short (and surprisingly expensive - or I think so)

You could make the 'U' fitting your self - you can buy all the bits a pieces as they sell exactly what is needed for making biminis. But I'd have it welded up.

The plank can be stored lashed to the stanchions and become a fender board, if you like.

Maybe add a pelican hook to the lifelines so that you can open the bow and reduce the height over which you have to clamber.

Initially I'm thinking not to spend too much money until you have played around with the design. But I might make the plank quite wide, safer for the more senior members, and you might want to brace the plank underneath reduce flexing (it will then feel more stable.

You could drill holes for the tubes through the bulwark - but I think that will spoil the yacht - but maybe you have at least one hole for the bow horn cleat? and Hanover at the bow roller??

But note - I have no idea what your bow looks like - I'm guessing - and feeling very sympathetic.

Take care,

Jonathan

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks guys. I am going to sketch the plan from Neeves (as my brain can't visualise it!) The 'plank' itself is not the main issue as our ladder ( normally tied to guard wire) works well. hopefully it is long enough to reach to the side of the bow rather than just to the bow.
Thanks again