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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Boarding Ladder

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/22/2003 : 19:57:57

In the pictures of different C25's I see a lot of nice 4 step fold-up stainless ladders... I looked around West Marine, Boats US, Garhauer and Sailnet and didn't find one like the pictures...

Are they out of production... or is there a special source like CD?

-- CB

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2003 : 20:44:17

"In the pictures of different C25's I see a lot of nice 4 step fold-up stainless ladders...I looked around West Marine, Boats US, Garhauer and Sailnet and didn't find one like the pictures..."

I have one of those 4 step ladders and it gets quite of bit of use in the summer due to the swimming needs of my young kids, their cousins, and friends. I also get in the water quite a bit to scrub the scum line.

Anyway, back to the 4 rung ladder. I wish it were a 5 rung ladder because the last step isn't that far underwater. This causes someone using the ladder to throw a foot up to their chin to get it on the first step. I'm still somewhat young and flexible so it's not a big deal, but I remember reading about ladders and the recommendation was to get one that extended 2 or three rungs into the water to make it easy for boarding.

Here's a 4 step hinged ladder from West Marine for $149.99, pg 720 of the catalog.
<img src="http://www.westmarine.com/images/full/01913_f.jpg" border=0>

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2003 : 20:50:49

From the West Marine Advisor,

What to look for

Where to mount

Ladders should be mounted so that the steps extend far enough into the water to make climbing aboard as easy as possible and at a spot that's convenient for boarding. For example, stern ladders are quite common on sailboats, but this is frequently where the motion of the boat is the greatest. On sailboats with a fixed pushpit, a better place may be on the side, forward of the cockpit, where the lifeline gate is located.

Comfort and security

We like broad, nonskid treads, since 1" stainless tubing is remarkably painful under bare feet. We also like ladders that stand off away from the side of the hull, because they provide finger and toe clearance. Side rails that extend above deck level provide a handy place to grab.

<img src="http://www.westmarine.com/images//image007.jpg" border=0>

Here's the link.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/WestAdvisorDisplayView?advisor=boardingladders.htm

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2003 : 22:06:44

That looks like the one.

Funny, they didn't see fit to put that ladder in their online catalog! I'll have to go back to using the hardcopy I guess.

That is, if I can find out where my present wife has hidden it.
Clever woman. Hidden catalog = fewer purchases.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2003 : 22:33:23

ClamBeach,

My 1979 C-25 came with a nice transom mounted swim ladder. It's one of the permanently installed 2-piece folding kind. Welded stainless steel pipe construction, 6 steps, teak step pads, almost 5' over all, 32" under water when unfolded. It works like a charm. I don't know who made it, sorry.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2003 : 22:43:36

Clam,

I forgot to include the link to West Marine for the ladder. Here it is,

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?storeId=10001& catalogId=10001& keyword=115550

Additionally, Leon brings up a good point. The 3/4" or 1" tubing used for the steps is not too foot friendly and could cause some discomfort when using them.

Leon, I wish I had your ladder because it sounds like it has what I need, teak step pads and depth!

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2003 : 23:19:08

On the original ladder on "This Side Up" I had the problem of not enough ladder in the water. After ordering 2 different ladders that turned out not to fit my needs (and sending them back!) I finally bought a ladder designed for a C27 (Inboard). It fits perfectly on the starboard transom (O/B is to port), has standoffs and folds. It also puts 2 steps below the surface...
Derek

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2003 : 23:49:00

"Quiet Time" has a 5-step ladder, made by Garhauer I think, and I ordered it direct from the factory. Catalina 25's have a very high transom, and the 4-step ladders than work okay on a Catalina 22 just don't have enough depth on a C-25 or C-27. I made 4" wide step pads out of high-density polyethelene, and they have worked well.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Sacramento, CA

Edited by - on

Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 00:11:21

Don and all, CD has step pads for 1" tubing. The kit comes with everything you'll need, drill bit,SS pop rivits and sealant. I installed them on my ladder and they made a world of difference.

<img src="http://www.chaplin-nest.com/unkarock/usflagwav.gif" border=0>
Mark-
'Impulse'
C25 #533 DINN/FIN ~_/)~
Bakersfield, CA.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 15:34:00

I see why the ladder didn't show in my search... they put it in the catalog as a 'Transom Ladder'... whilst I searched on 'Boarding Ladder'... (smacks forehead)

Thanks for the info and suggestions...

CB

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 20:54:33

"CD has step pads for 1" tubing. The kit comes with everything you'll need, drill bit,SS pop rivits and sealant. I installed them on my ladder and they made a world of difference." - Mark

Mark,

Thanks for the heads up on that ladder tread kit from CD. I just looked it up in my catalog($32.95) and it will most likely be my next purchase. Again, thanks for the tip. <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Clam,

Catalina Direct lists a "C25 Transom Swim Ladder 35" high x 10", wide WITH treads installed, for $135.00(Although this could be an old price). This is cheaper than the West Marine unit which doesn't come with treads.

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 22:05:01

While we're discussing ladders, those rubber tips on the standoffs are $9.49 for 4 at West Marine or about $1.50 or so for 4 at ACE hardware(They're called "chair tips").

<img src="http://www.westmarine.com/images/full/09487_f.jpg" border=0>

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2003 : 07:07:32

I just ordered the step pad kit from CD. I choked when I heard that the kit is now 61 bucks. I know that I could make something cheaper, but I am running out of time before vacation,and also I know that they work well as I installed them on my 22.

I didn't realize that the ladder is not deep into the water enough. Maybe there is a way to add another step to it without making it look, or work too cheesy.

Lowell is working on a new price list for the book reflecting price increases from Catalina.

Frank

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2003 : 14:33:57

"I didn't realize that the ladder is not deep into the water enough. Maybe there is a way to add another step to it without making it look, or work too cheesy." - Frank

BoatUS sells a product called Add-A-Step made from white polycarbonate that sells for $24.99. It hooks on to the last rung of the ladder.

<img src="http://www.boatus-store.com/items/large/158115.jpg" border=0>

Here's the link.

http://www.boatus-store.com/browse/item.asp?IID=16411

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

ksaum
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2003 : 22:07:23

Frank,
I added another step, very cheaply: From a length of 1" PVC pipe, I cut a piece 1" shorter than than the ladder rungs,drilled holes in the centers of two PVC end caps, inserted a length of 3/8" rope through the caps/pipe (knotted on each end)and tied the ends of the rope to the bottom step.
Ken Saum - "Been There"

Edited by - on

John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2003 : 17:47:05

I've pondered the idea of adding a transom ladder, but I'd be using it to get in and out of the dinghy. Swimming in Puget Sound has always been something I've tried to avoid<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>. I can't reconcile the problem of getting the dinghy up to the transom with the rudder in the way. Is it possible to get in and out of a dinghy with a transom mounted ladder without going for a swim?

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2003 : 01:30:11

John:

It's usually not difficult bringing the dinghy up to the corner of the transom on the side of your ladder, thereby avoiding the rudder. With an inflatable, it's easier and more stable. A hard dinghy is definitely more tippy getting in and out, but I think they are more fun.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf32b3127cce91bb168cb9610000001610" border=0>

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

Edited by - on

John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2003 : 14:04:10

Richard,
Your dinghy looks like a lot of fun! I'd like to be able to put a sail on mine. The admiral wonders why I need every boat to have sails. I think the answer to that would be obvious - I'm a sailing nut!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

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