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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Swim Ladder		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Jim Garrett
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/10/2003 :  17:58:20  Show Profile
I need to put a swim ladder on my 1981 C25. Does anyone have a recommendation on which ladder to purchase and where to mount it? I could use all the help I can get. Thanks in advance...

Jim Garrett
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2003 :  18:06:06  Show Profile
If you want a ladder that looks stock - I believe Garhauer Marine made them. The ladder is mounted on the opposite side of the motor (if that's what you mean.) My ladder, when in the upright position, the bottom rung is almost even with the stern pulpit rail.
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Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2003 :  18:10:22  Show Profile
Here is a link to a thread about Swim Ladders that took place a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2611



Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495
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eric.werkowitz
Captain

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USA
283 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2003 :  18:52:31  Show Profile
Jim,

If you want a functional swim ladder, the stock type ladder leaves much to be desired, especially if you have a split backstay. It may work for spiderman and as an emergency ladder to reboard the boat after an accidental water entry (an important safety feature), but it is a poor choice for frequent use. If you really want to swim a lot, some auxillary ladder with flat steps that goes over the gunwale may be a better choice.

Eric Werkowitz
C25 #4969
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2003 :  20:06:47  Show Profile
Jim,

I concur with Eric about the stock four rung ladder. It doesn't go deep enough and the round rungs aren't too gentle on the feet!

The link that Bryan provided has some good information in it and you should check it out, but if you have any further questions, let'r rip!

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie
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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2003 :  21:06:15  Show Profile
Deep Steps are SO necessary.

On our C25, we didn't have a stern ladder. I recollect that it gets a bit "busy" back there, with the engine and the rudder. We ended up using a gunwhale ladder. On our C34, the stern ladder isn't deep. I did get one of the Add A Steps, which really works fine (last post in the above reference). The best and most comfortable place to board has been amidships. However, one needs to consider that midships won't work when you're rafted up, as we sometimes do.
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George Beck
1st Mate

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USA
48 Posts
Response Posted - 02/11/2003 :  13:43:48  Show Profile
Jim, I think stock ladders work fine with some alterations. They are probably available from Catalina Direct. You can install either wooden or plastic steps on the rails for more comfort and the Marine catalogues offer a extra plastic clipon for bottom rail that gives more length and folds up when ladder is secured to stern rail and not in water. Works for me, good luck.
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triley
Captain

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USA
251 Posts
Response Posted - 02/14/2003 :  16:49:54  Show Profile
I have small plastic flat steps that secure on the rungs and are very solid. They cover about half the rung, so alternationg them right and left is a good idea, with the lowest being left, of course.
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captck
1st Mate

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USA
34 Posts
Response Posted - 02/15/2003 :  18:25:55  Show Profile
The Catalina direct ladder has treads that will do your feet proud.
I have a stock ladder and added the treads. What a relief to the peds.
they will send you everything you need and directions where to put it.
go for it!!
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eric.werkowitz
Captain

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USA
283 Posts
Response Posted - 02/15/2003 :  19:42:24  Show Profile
I know that the flat steps will make the stock ladder more comfortable on the feet, but trying to climb over the aft pulpit and around the split backstay on my boat is still a pain. It can be done, but... The steps may be necessary, but I still don't think they are sufficient!

Eric Werkowitz
C25 ##4969
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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts
Response Posted - 02/15/2003 :  22:06:47  Show Profile
I think that the stock 4 rung ladder was originally designed for the Catalina 22 and Capri 22; it is not deep enough for the Catalina 25, which has a MUCH higher transom than a C-22. Get a 5-Rung ladder. These are made by the same company, Garhauer, I believe, and when installed slightly above the midway point of the transom, they still have two rungs under the water, yet the top step is only a foot or so below the coaming, making it fairly easy to step over the stern pulpit railing. Make sure you don't install the ladder too low, or it will be impossible for children or small adults to get their legs over the stern pulpit. This is where the stock 4-rung ladder really fails on the C-25. When it is installed high enough to allow the user to get his/her legs over the pulpit, the bottom rung is barely in the water, making it very difficult for adults to get up that first step.


Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Sacramento, CA
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.