Stainless boarding ladder?

Steve_B · 20 March 2011, 21:00

We have an offer of a tie up with a Coasteering company and to make the idea work, need a boarding ladder to make boarding from the water as easy as poss.

I would like to keep it simple and thinking of a central spine with foot/hand pegs on either side. The spine would fix to the A-frame on a pivot to raise vertical when not in use. It would have to have a curve to go around/over the tube.

Would anyone recommend someone to fabricate?? Biff comes to mind, but I know how busy he is

Steve

ashbypower · 20 March 2011, 21:14

Steve, I can source one for you, as used by XS Ribs details on their web site.

biffer · 21 March 2011, 08:58

morning mate, i've got a couple of months work to get through, really full on stuff, what i would say about centre spine ladders is make sure the pivot is super strong, as soon as you step on one side it tries to go side ways, i've done one that curved over the tube and attached to the "a" frame, the hinge is the weak point, it's almost better to make it in 2 bits, have a fixed mount and a mountable ladder that can be stowed somewhere

Simon B · 21 March 2011, 20:36

RIB Boarder

Good enough for a one legged bloke? Looks a bit basic and robust but should take some hammer.

Steve_B · 21 March 2011, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

RIB Boarder

Good enough for a one legged bloke? Looks a bit basic and robust but should take some hammer.

Thanks for info, it is along the lines of what I had in mind. The attachment to the A frame looks somewhat crude.

Steve_B · 23 March 2011, 14:54

Opinions please ...

Looking at going down this route, the main reason being that I can bring it forward away from the engines and is easily observed by the skipper during the boarding process.
Plus when not required easily removed from tube and stored away.

PeterM · 23 March 2011, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kts

Opinions please ...

Looking at going down this route, the main reason being that I can bring it forward away from the engines and is easily observed by the skipper during the boarding process.
Plus when not required easily removed from tube and stored away.

Would seem a simple,sensible & cost effective option of all out there - only suggestion would be to have it tied on when in use to avoid it being 'dropped' and the skipper having to go diving to get it back .......

I always carried used a plastimo emegency ladder that clipped on the lifelines - simpe cheap , but swings under the boat which makes it fun to use ! ( maybe the coaterring types would like that ?)

boristhebold · 23 March 2011, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kts

Opinions please ...

Looking at going down this route, the main reason being that I can bring it forward away from the engines and is easily observed by the skipper during the boarding process.
Plus when not required easily removed from tube and stored away.

Looks just the job, depends how much weight it can take

Steve_B · 23 March 2011, 18:43

Can take up to 180kg and comes with recovery lanyard which also can be used to strap securly in place.
When not in use or running at speed, intend to secure behind liferafts in the stern.

Offered 25% discount too

Steve

karlT · 23 March 2011, 18:50

I have an Armstrong ladder on my boat well built and the pictures on their website are easy on the eye

http://www.armstrongnautical.com/ima...e_show_sm.html

C2 RIBS · 23 March 2011, 18:55

Steve, can that new idea/set up hold its position when someone climbs onto it. With a tube holding the weight, the tube I suspect will take the weight but deform slighly and may then become unstable. Does it stay in place with weight on? How is it secured? and do steps stay in position as you climb?

The idea looks OK but we carry the folding system ladder and it is very basic as a recovery option.

Steve_B · 23 March 2011, 21:38

Hi Karl

Just watched the slide show, but missed the ladder ...... (Must catch up at some point, as I Push Tin at Swanwick)

Ian, I am going down to Tide Marine tomorrow to check it out. Our tubes don't deform that much, so should remain very stable and the attachments look very well made.

I'll let you know
Steve

Steve_B · 24 March 2011, 22:13

Went down to Tides in Poole, very impressed by staff and the quality of the product. Bought the longer of the two models and hope to fit over the weekend, if the weather stays dry.
The ladder comes complete with everything needed including preping, glue in good quality instructions.

I will let you know how it performs

mark241 · 24 March 2011, 22:32

I would also recommend the Armstrong ladder which apart from being strong and well made also tucks away neatly. The 4 rung is perfect for us.