Recommendations for a work platform for working on the hull when the boat is ashore?

[The Third Man]

For many years I have used ladders to enable me to reach high enough to clean and polish the hull of the boat every spring. I now have a problem with my feet. I can see that standing on a ladder rung or even a narrow step for hours at a time is likely to seriously worsen the state of my feet and, in fact, my GP has confirmed this earlier today.

In recent years I have seen a number of people using adjustable platforms to carry out this work but I have no idea where they can be obtained or even what they are actually called.

I have looked at B&Q but they do not have any on which the height can be adjusted.

Has anyone any experience of these things? Any good ones or ones not so good? It must be sturdy not one of the flimsy things that I know are around! Where do I obtain one? etc

Thanks.

 

[Lakesailor]

You need a tall bicycle.

 

[Aardee]

Probably worth posting your question on the PBO forum...

 

[Riggy]

For many years I have used ladders to enable me to reach high enough to clean and polish the hull of the boat every spring. I now have a problem with my feet. I can see that standing on a ladder rung or even a narrow step for hours at a time is likely to seriously worsen the state of my feet and, in fact, my GP has confirmed this earlier today.

In recent years I have seen a number of people using adjustable platforms to carry out this work but I have no idea where they can be obtained or even what they are actually called.

I have looked at B&Q but they do not have any on which the height can be adjusted.

Has anyone any experience of these things? Any good ones or ones not so good? It must be sturdy not one of the flimsy things that I know are around! Where do I obtain one? etc

Thanks.

Max height you need to work at?

 

[davidej]

I use this

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lyte-4-wa...4SUYFbEFAUNoU5oP9Zsh7Wv7LkLXTz1NI6BoCNqfw_wcB

its only stable with the platform 3/4 ft above the ground

 

[Sgeir]

These folding ladder platforms from Maplin have been excellent - http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/4x3-step-multi-function-folding-ladder-with-platform-356m-n74ka

 

[DJE]

A common method is to use steel trestles like these:-

https://www.speedyservices.com/trestles-steel-bandstand-hire

Topped with staging boards like these:-

https://www.speedyservices.com/staging-boards

Strictly speaking you should have handrails toeboards and access ladders but if you are not employing anybody then that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Skysail]

Used this platform ladder successfully

http://www.greenfingers.com/category.asp?dept_id=200342&NavSource=LHN

 

[Vitesse]

Builder's trestles (plus planks) or for a bit higher, H frame scaffold tower, again plus planks.

Search 'DIY scaffold tower' on ebay.

It's the sort of stuff that can be easily sold on again.

 

[viago]

You need a tall bicycle.

unusually polite for you given the gravity of the crime.

 

[johnalison]

It depends also how much you want to pay, and what your vehicle's carrying capacity is. I have a platform ladder from Homebase which cost about £120 I think, because it fits into my hatchback easily. Although not as long as a full platform, it has transformed my attitude towards that bit of my fitting-out. It is adjustable for height and reasonably stable.

 

[jwilson]

I use this

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lyte-4-wa...4SUYFbEFAUNoU5oP9Zsh7Wv7LkLXTz1NI6BoCNqfw_wcB

its only stable with the platform 3/4 ft above the ground

I have one that looks absolutely identical, bought from Midland Ladders maybe 4 years back at about (I think) £70. Works fine and often used at about 5 ft platform, though the spec says only use to 1 metre platform. You need an ordinary stepladder beside it to get on and off unless you have springy feet. It lets me (just as I'm shortish) reach the gunwale for hull polishing of a high-sided 35 ft AWB with 6 ft keel.

 

[lisilou]

These folding ladder platforms from Maplin have been excellent - http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/4x3-step-multi-function-folding-ladder-with-platform-356m-n74ka

This is exactly what I use and it was ideal. I got mine from Force 4 in a hurry at nearly twice the price. Needless to say, don't buy it there!
L

 

[cryan]

Everything you could ever need is here: http://www.hss.com/cl/1014391/Access-and-Powered-Access.html

 

[Davy_S]

Could you post pictures of your feet, I am sure it would be more convenient to have your feet repaired using the wisdom of the forum than buying scaffolding or big bikes.

 

[Hydrozoan]

I do not have one, but be sure you have a good handhold when on one - I found when using somebody else's (a good and stable one I believe) that it was a rather shaky experience at first. Perhaps it was just my advancing years, but a ladder does give you its own handholds! I can see the advantages, and am not trying to put you off - quite the converse, but rather fearing that if you were not aware of the issue, you might be needlessly discouraged.

 

[Lakesailor]

unusually polite for you given the gravity of the crime.

Richard has pointed out that what the sub-heading for the Lounge says, is not what it means.
He has also said we are not to argue with Admin.
He has also said we are not to post non-boaty things in other forums.
He has also said that the Lizards do not own Time Inc.

Who am I to argue?

 

[oldbilbo]

I use this

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lyte-4-wa...4SUYFbEFAUNoU5oP9Zsh7Wv7LkLXTz1NI6BoCNqfw_wcB

its only stable with the platform 3/4 ft above the ground

I bought one of those from Aldi, at about £40 less. It has been excellent for the several uses I've found, but agree with 'davidej' regarding conditional stability.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Richard has pointed out that what the sub-heading for the Lounge says, is not what it means.
He has also said we are not to argue with Admin.
He has also said we are not to post non-boaty things in other forums.
He has also said that the Lizards do not own Time Inc.

Who am I to argue?

Thanks for not being stroppy. I'm still moving this thread to PBO though...!

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for not being stroppy. I'm still moving this thread to PBO though...!

Excellent news John, now do the same with non PBO & Scuttlebutt threads that are in the wrong place, we might then get some of that Noo blood in here