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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Stern Ladder Improvements

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jaclasch
Navigator

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USA
104 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/25/2009 : 14:45:57

On the C25, the stern ladder without modification is not of much use. As a swim ladder it is pure torture on bare feet. As a way to reboard the boat after unplanned immersion it is too short to get your foot on the first rung unless you have good flexibility, leaving great upper body strength as the only alternative, neither of which I have.

Foot comfort is solved by installing steps. Catalina Direct has a fine kit for this ladder with attachment by stainless steel pop-rivets (installing the rivets requires a heavy-duty rivet tool because the stainless rivets are really tough).

Making it easier to get started onto the ladder from the water is simple and costs practically nothing. Just take a spare piece of line and tie a two-step rope ladder as shown in various knot tying books. With the ladder in the up position just drape the rope ladder over the rail.

As you can see, it is very simple to create.

The rope ladder provides you with two footholds below the surface of the water and is a godsend when on a cool autumn day, just after everyone has left the marina, you manage to tumble into the water while folding a sail.

James
1983 FK/TR
Tiempo Dorado

Edited by - jaclasch on 05/25/2009 18:57:28

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2009 : 15:24:33

Looks great. I put the plastic steps on our boarding ladder, too, and can attest to how difficult the pop rivets were. How long was the line you used, and what size? Also, how big did make the loop at the top?

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2009 : 15:50:40

Not only does the rope ladder look great, but so does the scenery in the background of the picture.

Deric

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2009 : 16:24:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 ...Also, how big did make the loop at the top?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I can sorta make out the involved knot, but I'd think the good old cow hitch would suffice there--no?

Good find!

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jaclasch
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USA
104 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2009 : 16:28:39

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 How long was the line you used, and what size? Also, how big did make the loop at the top?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The line was an old length of 3/8" jib sheet. You use a fair amount of it quickly. It is fun just to experiment with. If you look at the diagram you will see that the loop at the top is formed by a "true lovers knot" which is just two half hitches, one tied into the other. I would guess I made it 12 or 14 inches long. It is easy to adjust by loosening the half hitches and working more or less line into or from the loop.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2009 : 16:51:41

Nice bit of marlinspike seamanship. I was a bit confused when you called your knot a "true lover's knot" because Ashley defined one as a "josephine knot" or carrick bend, but I just found an article on the web where it describes your knot as a true lover's knot, so I'm not sure which is which. Sailors that wanted to get married would tie a true lover's knot loosely & present it to the object of their desires, if she drew it up tightly and gave it back to him, that was an agreement, and they would post banns to be wed. On the other hand if she left it loose, or worse, returned it undone, he'd been shot down and it was time to go back to sea.

The carrick bend takes a bit of doing to get right the first time, but it's a very useful bend, plus it looks really cool if it's drawn up uniformly. Your knot looks like a reef knot to me, or maybe a granny?

In any case, an expedient solution to a problem, nice work.

Edited by - on

Windhover
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2009 : 16:52:05

This is a timely post...Last week the fisherman across the finger from me did not double his lines (which also were too small for his boat,) and his bow broke free during a blow, forcing him to pivot on the stern line. His small outboard kicker motor was angled up and managed to tangle with my swim ladder, ripping it off at the mounts. I recovered the ladder as it was still bungeed to the pulpet.
Once his insurance co sends the check for the ladder and gelcoat repairs, I will add the steps shown here. Meanwhile I am shopping for an emergency ladder that can be deployed over the side in the event of a COB incident.
Oh yeah, and we've had some friendly conversations regarding upsizing in dockline and doubling lines up when leaving the boat alone for a week, also.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 06:09:21

I've wrapped 1/2 line around my ladder rungs to make it better on the feets. Thanks for the post, that's a great extension.

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 06:29:36

I wonder if they changed the ladders at some point.
My ladder, 1985 - #4762, has off set plastic steps and is very comfortable coming out of the water or getting on the boat on land.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 06:39:30

#5032 (1985) has unadorned stainless tubing.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 09:16:34

We added the some teak steps, but the rope ladder extension is such a great idea, it's on the rainy day list!

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 13:21:07

OK, Good idea, so I will order one. Now do you take Pay Pal?

I too added the plastic step kit from CD over the winter. I can't believe Catalina sold these boats without them.

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Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 16:03:12

It never dawned on me that the little plastic steps on my ladder were added by the P.O.
But they were. They are Johnson "Sole Mates"

and West Marine has them. They are screwed on so no extra tools.
They are placed on aternating sides. One needs to be trimmed for the stand off.
Mine are very solid and very comfortable.

Edited by - Peregrine on 05/26/2009 16:05:43

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 13:17:21

If you have to buy a new ladder from Catalina Direct, which my boatyard had to do after messing up my ladder this year, it comes standard with the white steps. Just so you know. :-)

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 15:53:20

Well, my good old boat had a set of teak steps on the ladder. Where did they come from?

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 16:51:49

Most likely an after-market mod.

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.