hunter 285 - transom ladder

[huntermdus]

We currently purchased a Hunter 285 and really like the boat. The transom ladder however is a problem. It makes it very difficult for us and our guests to get on and off the boat from the dock. At high tide the boat is 3 feet above the dock and 2 feet away from the dock to to the angle of the transome. It is not possible to board the boat from port or starboard due to very short dock area between boats (only extend 2ft).A folding transom ladder would be perfect but those we have found are too short. any suggestions?

 

[Landsend]

this isn't the normal use of a transom ladder.

Try for a new dock location, so you can board and depart from the sides of the boat or build a gang way with a few steps. In Europe most boat moor stern to the dock and have proper gang ways.

 

[Benny]

Transom ladder is not the problem.

Put some slack on your dock lines so you can pull boat next to dock at all tides and utilize fenders to protect it. Spring lines should be adjusted to prevent stern from hitting the dock. Moving to a better marina may be desirable. Two feet finger piers?

 

[huntermdus]

attached image

Warren thanks for the reply. I can not seem to find a way to acess the image. I find the transom ladder we have is in the way. It is on a hinge and can be lowered into the water. When pulled up out of the water it is about 36" long and it is in the way of getting on and off the boat from the stern. Two marinas we have looked at have had similar or no finger piers and although we are shopping for a new marina (for other reasons) it does not appear that we will find a solution to this at a new marina. A slip holder next to us has the same boat and has the same complaint. What I had hoped to find was other owners who are forced to board their 28.5 from the stern and have found a work around or different ladder.thanks for the post.Shawn