Telescopic boarding ladders

[jswindel]

Does anyone have experience of the reliability of telescopic boarding ladders? I am planning to get one as most suited to my boat. Do they jamb or work loose? Are they strong enough to take the loads of a wet person climbing aboard? I have seen them used on powerboats more than yachts, hung over the bow as a means of reaching the pontoon more than as a way of getting out of the water. Any comments appreciated.

 

[Searush]

I have one of these

Not cheap, but I got a used one off a fellow forumite & fitted it on the starboard quarter. It is velcro'd to the safety lines in the upright/ stored position so it is well out of the way & easy to deploy quickly. It is excellent for bathing, dinghy access & even getting off the boat when aground (I also carry a short section of wooden ladder that can bridge the gap to the floor).

It has NEVER jammed and is slightly loose when telescoped. When extended it tightens up nicely, but still doesn't jam. I like it.

 

[alahol2]

Got one, same as Searush, on the stern except mine has actually got 4 steps. I got mine at a jumble but it works well. I leave mine hanging but closed and with a short loop of line preventing it extending itself. It extends well below the water which allows swimmers to get their feet onto it. It seems to resist the bending stress well and doesn't deform. They seem nicely engineered and strong.

 

[William_H]

Boarding ladders

It seems to me that the side (inwards) load on a boarding ladder come from insufficient hand holds up high to enable the user to pull himself up. So the telescopic aspect of the ladder is fine provided that not too much side load is applied to bend the tubes. Ones I have used seem fine. olewill

 

[jswindel]

Thanks all, that sounds encouraging. I have ordered a four step one from Securefix, picture below I hope. I hope to get it installed over the next couple of weeks with a standoff arrangement so it hangs down vertically from my overhanging transom.

 

[jswindel]

Just to complete the story. I have got the ladder. Very pleased with the quality and delivery was in just two days. The attached photos should show how I am installing it. Stowed it is flipped over onto the stern deck. Flipped back over to deploy it and the bottom two steps should be under water. I have still to complete the little ply platform for it to sit on so that it is above the raised top edge of the transom. The final test will be on the water, but I will be waiting for summer warmth before I do that.