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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Boarding ladder ... a cool alternative ...

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/13/2005 : 13:30:42

Hi everyone,

I was just looking through a <i>Sail</i> magazine, and these "Sea-Steps" caught my eye. For anyone who wants a boarding ladder, but you don't want the expense and hassle of mounting a stainless steel ladder, this looks to me like a great alternative:

There is also another version that can be "permanently" mounted and used for single-handers in an MOB situation:

I already have a boarding ladder on <i>Freya</i>, but I thought this was a pretty cool idea. This company has some other clever ideas, too, like a harness to help lift/carry your outboard, etc. Here is a link to the website in case anyone is interested: [url="http://www.clevel.com/"]C-Level[/url]

edited for grammar

Buzz Maring

~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68
Lake Dallas, TX

Edited by - Buzz Maring on 02/13/2005 14:00:24

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2005 : 14:50:43

That's an interesting product... here's some commentary on ladders in general...
(note... IMHO stuff)

I have a very compact collapsing rope ladder with rigid plastic rungs (from a company called 'practical designs' I think). It's wider and (perhaps) more stable than the sling ladder shown... but I've found that it's still very (I mean very) difficult to climb out of the water unless you're in darn good shape... and that's with the boat in flat water.

If you were trying to board a pitching boat... perhaps slightly making way... toss in being hypothermic, add some water-soaked clothing and I think with a non-rigid ladder you'd be counting on raw adreneline to get you back aboard. (As if you weren't already)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that (remember the IMHO) there's no substitute for investing the bucks in a 'real' boarding ladder. For me, the priority is right up there with lifejackets and other basic safety equipment. When you're dealing with the ocean you want to give yourself the best chance you can. (Of course, the very best thing is making sure you never go over the side)

My ladder is rigged for single handing with a velcro tear-away strap that secures the ladder in the up position and a trip-line that hangs down to the water for emergency release.

All that arm-waving over... would a collapsable emergency ladder or web sling be better than nothing? You bet.

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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.