Transom Boarding Ladder

[coopec]

I know there is a thread on boarding ladders (generally) in June but YBW (in typical fashion) is not allowing me to navigate through the long thread.

But in any case my question is quite specific. My transom ladder is folding and I am in the middle of mounting the fixed part onto the transom. I really don't want my ladder to be vertical as I am more comfortable climbing a ladder with a slight inclination.

Holding the fixed part of the ladder against the transom while I am clutching a spirit level the whole of the bubble is just outside the two marker lines.

Does that sound OK?

Incidentally if the yacht floats where I expect it to I should have three steps below the water which according to the previous thread is OK.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I would build in some adjustment of the angle so the once your boat is afloat and trimmed you can adjust the angle as you wish.

 

[VicS]

I know there is a thread on boarding ladders (generally) in June but YBW (in typical fashion) is not allowing me to navigate through the long thread.

But in any case my question is quite specific. My transom ladder is folding and I am in the middle of mounting the fixed part onto the transom. I really don't want my ladder to be vertical as I am more comfortable climbing a ladder with a slight inclination.

Holding the fixed part of the ladder against the transom while I am clutching a spirit level the whole of the bubble is just outside the two marker lines.

Does that sound OK?

Incidentally if the yacht floats where I expect it to I should have three steps below the water which according to the previous thread is OK.

I would think that depends entirely on the spirit level you are using. ....................... But using a spirit level to fit a transom ladder ???????????????

Set it at the angle you feel you want it but be sure the lower section hangs free or you will be putting far too much strain on the hinges.

I would fit it vertically ( mine is ! ) but then I have no problems with vertical ladders

(The recommended angle for non fixed ladders is 1 foot out for every 4 feet high but that is based on the stability of an unfixed ladder)

Presumably the thread to which you refer is http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?523920-Boarding-ladder-for-safety

 

[lw395]

If you put your boat in the water, the ladder will have a slight inclination one moment, then probably the other way as the wave goes by.
I would worry more about having it spaced off the transom enough for your hands to grip it comfortably but not for a foot to slip through it.

 

[coopec]

I would think that depends entirely on the spirit level you are using. ....................... But using a spirit level to fit a transom ladder ???????????????

Why does it depend on the spirit level I am using. All spirit levels should give the same result?
My transom is not vertical so the fixed portion of the ladder has to be constructed to allow for that. I use the spirit level to work out the length of the " legs"

Set it at the angle you feel you want it but be sure the lower section hangs free or you will be putting far too much strain on the hinges.

I think my hinges could easily handle a small angle (see photo)

I would fit it vertically ( mine is ! ) but then I have no problems with vertical ladders

(The recommended angle for non fixed ladders is 1 foot out for every 4 feet high but that is based on the stability of an unfixed ladder)

Presumably the thread to which you refer is http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?523920-Boarding-ladder-for-safety

Yes that was the thread.

 

[coopec]

I would build in some adjustment of the angle so the once your boat is afloat and trimmed you can adjust the angle as you wish.

Roger

That won't be hard at all. If you see my photos I'm sure you would agree.
Clive

 

[rogerthebodger]

Roger

That won't be hard at all. If you see my photos I'm sure you would agree.
Clive

A simple packing piece at the bottom of the square section below the hinge will adjust the angle of the lower (below water line section) The thickness of the packer would determine the resulting angle.

I will post a picture of my dive ladder next week when I get to my boat.

I had also modified a telescope ladder and will post a pic of that mounted midships for your info.

 

[coopec]

A simple packing piece at the bottom of the square section below the hinge will adjust the angle of the lower (below water line section) The thickness of the packer would determine the resulting angle.

I will post a picture of my dive ladder next week when I get to my boat.

I had also modified a telescope ladder and will post a pic of that mounted midships for your info.

Roger

Great minds think alike!!

I am going to do exactly what you say. I have some heavy rubber sheeting from which I'll cut some strips which will be Sika-flexed in place. That should provide a "shock absorber" for when the ladder falls down although the ocean water should take care of that.

The ladder will be secured in an upright position using a "quick release rope knot" so that someone in the water can tug on the rope and have the ladder fall in place.

I keenly await to see your photos, particularly of your telescopic/midships ladder.

Clive

 

[coopec]

I've now cut the "legs" off and ground the ends to the correct angle to conform with the transom. I've just roped it into position until I get mounting lugs welded on. At the stage the ladder is vertical but I may shorten the legs by an inch or so at the top to give it a very slight slope.

Now, what is the best way to raise it from deck level? Maybe I have to weld a lever but on the back of the ladder (so you don't get poked in the face) and then use a rope and pulley to raise it?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Roger

Great minds think alike!!



The ladder will be secured in an upright position using a "quick release rope knot" so that someone in the water can tug on the rope and have the ladder fall in place.

I keenly await to see your photos, particularly of your telescopic/midships ladder.

Clive

It goes on to say fools never differ but we won't consider that part.

Just consider that when someone in the water pulls the quick release knot that the ladder will swing down and hit the person inthe water on their head and knock then out.

They need to lower it slowly.

You also need have some means of pulling the ladder back up once down.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Are you building a solar arch at the stern if so that may solve the 2 issues I raised by having a line over a pulley on the arch down to the ladder and to the MOB so it can be raised from deck level and lowered slowly from the water.

BTW my stern ladder can also be unclipped from the transom and attached to the top of my solar arch so I can climb up and attend to items attached to the back of my arch.

 

[coopec]

Just consider that when someone in the water pulls the quick release knot that the ladder will swing down and hit the person inthe water on their head and knock then out.

They need to lower it slowly.

You also need have some means of pulling the ladder back up once down.

If I have a cleat within reach of the person in the water so that the quick release knot can be undone then the rope can be detached from the cleat and then lowered. I suppose the rope would be covered in green slime though

If I had a cleat and a Fairlead the rope could be easily controlled to let the ladder down slowly?