Transom ladder

[PabloPicasso]

My sailing boat has an angled transom and the ladder does not get anywhere near the water, even with lowest step folded down.

It makes getting aboard after a swim difficult for the fit, and impossible for some.

I've consideted getting a longer fold down ladder, but I suspect the angle will just put too much pressure on hinges/fixings. Or will just not reach into the water far enough.

Am I missing any simple solutions?

 

[ChromeDome]

Inspiration here?
Sailboat Transom Ladder | Butler Marine Products - High Quality Boat Ladders, Anchor Pulpits, Platforms and Boat Accessories

 

[PabloPicasso]

Inspiration here?
Sailboat Transom Ladder | Butler Marine Products - High Quality Boat Ladders, Anchor Pulpits, Platforms and Boat Accessories

Yes, that looks like the type of thing I need. Does the "call for pricing" button on that website mean it'll be eye wateringly expensive??

Guess I'll have to call and find out . I've just noticed they are in the USA, So there'll be customs txes too . I need something in UK or EU

 

[ChromeDome]

Being in the US it will end up eye-watering -

I meant the tip for inspiration which indeed is for FREE

 

[ChromeDome]

If you tweak the top mounts of this a bit, it might work:

Stainless Steel Folding Ladder | Gunwale Ladder - Oceansouth

 

[Boathook]

If that is your boat mounting the ladder a lot lower down would possibly assist and then use some hand holds above as steps. Possibly a wander around a boatyard would give some ideas.
I found that my ladder was to short and made an extra step that slid open when the ladder was let down. Made very little difference to height when folded. Sorry no photo's of this.

 

[boomerangben]

Put a ladder somewhere around the shrouds. You could use an off the shelf solution and is much safer place if there are any waves

 

[johnalison]

I have seen transom ladders designed for your kind of stern. They were angled so that the part entering the water did so vertically but fitted neatly against the pushpit when retracted. I have no idea about suppliers or price, but something like that would be an asset.

 

[coopec]

I think you should start again. It should be hinged just as ChromeDome has mentioned (See comment #5)

I got a guy in the trade who charged me $A10 for each bend and each bend was exactly the same. My Son did the welding and I got the steps out of a recycle bin at a plastic sign fabricator.

I had my back up against the fence so I couldn't get the bottom rung in. I've got two steps in below the waterline and the experts tell me that is a bare minimum.

I will have a rope from the top of the (folded ) ladder to release the bottom so it swings down into the water.

Maybe this is the sort of knot I need?

.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

why the urge to climb up the transom? A standard ladder by the shrouds would be simple. and much more aesthetically pleasing. I really don't like the look of boats with a ton of scaffold off the stern. If you want to get on and off at the back build a sugar scoop or a fold down platform.

 

[LadyInBed]

I bought these Stainless Steel 2 Step Over Platform Telescopic Boarding Ladder - Marine Scene but the 4 step version, to extend my transom ladder.
I made some stainless loops to go around the rung of the existing ladder and bolt to the telescopic ladder fittings.
Works very well as it hinges flat to the existing ladder.

 

[coopec]

why the urge to climb up the transom? A standard ladder by the shrouds would be simple. and much more aesthetically pleasing. I really don't like the look of boats with a ton of scaffold off the stern. If you want to get on and off at the back build a sugar scoop or a fold down platform.

Are the "Standard ladder by the shrouds" permanently installed there?

 

[ChromeDome]

The ladder needs to be in place permanently if you end up in the water unintentionally.

As per the OP there is a concern for the load on the transom if simply extending the existing, hence a different design may be best.

 

[coopec]

Pablo
Maybe you could do something like this?

 

[coopec]

The ladder needs to be in place permanently if you end up in the water unintentionally.

As per the OP there is a concern for the load on the transom if simply extending the existing, hence a different design may be best.

I was hoping Buck would answer that!

 

[Buck Turgidson]

I was hoping Buck would answer that!

 

[Buck Turgidson]

View attachment 154943

An emergency ladder is not the same as a general use boarding ladder.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

The ladder needs to be in place permanently if you end up in the water unintentionally.

As per the OP there is a concern for the load on the transom if simply extending the existing, hence a different design may be best.

I'm a solo sailor who is strapped on when appropriate. If I end up in the water a scaffold on the back of my boat won't be of any use.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Pablo
Maybe you could do something like this?

View attachment 154939

Yes, that looks like the kind of thing I need.

I wonder how strong the transom is, and how to go about strengthening it?

Perhaps a backing pad to spread the load would be enough?

 

[BabaYaga]

I guess post #8 refers to something like this.
Forgus 31 - Segelbåtar - Segelbåtar - Båtguiden - Maringuiden
(click the photo for a closer look)
The hinges are here positioned about halfways between deck level and transom bottom.
One disadvantage of the ladder pictured is that there will only be one rung below water level, but there can be made an extension at the end, either fold down with another hinge or telescopic.
The transom not being strong enough sounds unlikely to me.
I very much doubt there will anything available off the shelf.