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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/19/2011 : 21:17:03

Being older and no doubt less fit than I could be, I pondered the question of getting into and out of a kayak from Pearl. I'm happy to say that my "super swing cargo loader" is great. I trialed it dockside and have now used it while anchored in a 1 foot (or a little more) chop and 12 kts. wind. A flexible, but fairly stiff, swing seat with short lines tied through the chain attaching holes and bowlines on the other end. A line from the cleat behind the winch (opposite from the boarding side) to a clove hitch around the boom (raise the boom with the adjustable topping lift), through the genoa car (between the winch and the first stanchion) and to the cleat on the boarding side, unclip the mainsheet from the traveller, sit on the swing, attach the mainsheet, lift and lower. Securing the boom with the end about 6" outboard works for me since the boat heels when you hang from the boom. I can put a 9.5' kayak on each side of the mast without interfering with anything and still go forward. It was great in Ingram Bayou and anchoring in Big Lagoon, paddling ashore and walking 200 yards to the gulfside beach.

Dave B. aboard Pearl
1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399
Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2011 : 02:15:05

I just bought the single inflatable kayak from WM so a second kayak can be aboard for this summers NW cruise. I use a halyard of the spinnaker pole to lift the hard kayak, a Loon, 13+, from Old Town Canoe, up to two life line stanchions for storage while underway. I installed a painter at each end of the kayak which are the lines used for securing and towing and lifting. Entering and getting out of the kayak is done when the kayak is secured with both painters with the kayak cockpit at the boarding ladder. The inflatable will be operated the same I hope. To cruise I find that the kayak on one side hanging on the 2 stanchions, cockpit is big enough, and it doesn't make the coming to a dock too difficult.
The signature picture has a kayak hanging on the stanchions.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2011 : 09:31:43

Both Dave's and Jim's methods of boarding are interesting solutions.

Jim, do you use a removable boarding ladder placed over the coaming on one side? Or are you referring to the swim ladder at the transom?

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5378 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2011 : 16:00:23

I use my 13' Perception Sierra sit-inside kayak on Passage.
When underway, I hang the boat from the bow pulpit on the outside of the lifelines.

I use the transom ladder to board the kayak. In pitching, choppy seas, I feel like I have an 90-10 chance of going for a swim. When approaching the boat in the kayak, I am extremely careful to approach directly from the rear, as bumping the pitching boat could cause a capsize.

To board, I secure the kayak's lines to Passage's stern cleats. This allows me to center the cockpit next to the transom ladder. I wonder whether I should use bungy cables instead of line?, as the stretchiness might help limit movement when the boat is pitching in chop.

It would be great to have a swim platform like my power-boating buddies, but I'm not sure how to hang it on the transom.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2011 : 19:00:21

It might be possible to add a swim platform that would fold down from the top or middle step of the swim ladder. That design could block access to the ladder, unless the swim platform consisted of a few round rungs that aligned with the ladder when raised, so that you could climb the ladder with closer steps with the swim platform raised, or stand on the swim platform when it is lowered.

Something like this:

It would be simple to make from wood, but it might have to be 1-1/2" oak dowels to hold the weight with substantial side elements for needed strength.

Stainless tubing would be best, but that would make it considerably harder to build. Maybe a scrap swim ladder made of stainless could be cannibalized to make a folding swim platform. The alignment of the steps would be the tricky part in that case.

Edited by - JohnP on 03/22/2011 01:36:17

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2011 : 01:28:23

Boarding ladder is better name than swim. Yes it is the stern ladder that I use and it is also a good tie as I can do this from sitting in the kayak. The painters I refer to are secured inside next to the seat and I can pull each until it is up to the knot. The slack can be used to secure kayak to ladder or a dock so at least the kayak doesn't have to be rescued if I do go swimming. I put any gear on boat or dock before leaving or entering the kayak. So far I haven't made U-Tube with my graceful kayaking. I have used the dingy for boarding the kayak and in a rough sea a platform tries to punch you so I use the ladder. The second inflatable kayak this next cruise I bet will have some stories.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2011 : 01:45:39

OK, forget the wacky platform! With the stern of the boat bouncing up and down in choppy conditions it would be pretty dangerous. When I go swimming off the boat, I'm just glad to have a ladder to climb back aboard.

So it looks like Dave's "super swing cargo loader" would win over a swim platform.

Edited by - JohnP on 03/22/2011 01:46:03

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2011 : 08:23:34

Once again, the question I posted last night has disappeared. When boarding from the ladder, do you sit directly into the kayak or step into it and then sit? As 70 is now closer than 60, standing in a kayak is less appealing.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 03/22/2011 08:26:38

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2011 : 21:52:44

SIT FIRST WHEN ENTERING. Balance with one hand on kayak and other on ladder. Some can slide leg in at same time sitting into kayak, I do. Getting out for me is easier as with kayak tied first then place one foot on ladder and then pull up with both arms. Securing paddle on kayak or putting it up into 25 cockpit keeps kayak-er from performing the retrieve paddle exercise. Vest, PFD, is kept on all the time as the AFV video could be rolling. Practice, practice, practice. Enjoy the close encounters that kayaking gives you.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5378 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2011 : 17:45:08

When boarding the kayak, I usually crouch down on the bottom rung of the swim ladder, then put one foot into the kayak. I hold the ladder with one hand, and the kayak with the other. Then I swing my weight onto the kayak and scoot my butt over the kayak. I put the other foot into the kayak, then sit.

Getting out is a little more complicated. I grab the ladder, bring my knees up to my chest and bring my heels up against the seat, and scoot my butt up onto the rear coaming behind the seat, and swing one foot onto the swim ladder. I put all my weight onto the ladder, then pick myself up and climb up the ladder.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2011 : 21:57:21

Can't see the Admiral doing that.

I'll probably stick with the swing.

Edited by - on

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