Swim ladders

[Jeff Wessel]

One of the things my family enjoys on days that the wind is relatively calm is finding a nice spot on the lake and anchoring for a refreshing swim. One of the reasons we purchased the 170 is because we felt the open ttransom would make swimming off of the boat easier. It does make it easier, but it can still be a lot of work getting back in the boat, especially if you have been treading water for a while. I would like to add a ladder to make getting in and out of the boat easier. There are many to choose from. Does anyone have a recommendation of a specific ladder they use and like?Thanks for the help.Jeff

 

[Rick S.]

Ladder ideas in archives

Jeff,Have you checked the 170 archives? I remember a discussion on this topic within the past year or two. As I recall, solutions varied from a single line with foot loops (compact storage, but a foot-pincher) to a standard two-line ladder with rungs (easy to use, harder to stow). Someone else suggested that in a pinch, you can sling a length of dock line between the two cleats on the transom, with enough slack to afford a single step at a helpful distance below the waterline. Count me among the small-boat sailors whose strength-to-weight ratio has shifted unfavorably and now needs a boost to get back into the boat. Pride and vanity aside, it's crucial in an emergency (read: unscheduled swim) to be able to get back aboard quickly, 'specially if you are sailing solo.Please share your solution with the rest of us. New ideas are always welcome. Happy sailing.Rick

 

[john]

simple solution

Hi guys, My wife and my youngest both had some difficulties getting back into the boat, and friend suggested tying a bowline in the end fo the halyard and throwing it off the stern as a toe loop. It took a couple of minutes the first time to get it to hang in the water at a reasonable lenght, but it works like a charm. John

 

[Jeff Wessel]

Thanks

Good suggestions guys. I was looking for something a little more permanent. I have searched through available ladders on the market and have not yet found a suitable one. The bigest issue is width. I would like to be able to fold it flat in the transome area on the opposite side to the motor mount and simply flip it out into the water when we are ready for it. For that to happen, it can only be about 10" wide. It can be as long a 16". I have an idea for something I can fabricate. I will share it with you when I finish.

 

[Joe1455]

How About This?

Looks like it might do the trick. Rope & Stirrup looks to be removable too.Joe

 

[Jeff Wessel]

Excellent

Joe,That looks pretty good. Add a rope coming from the mast area to pull up on while stepping up and I think you are there. I was shying away from the loop in a rope solution because I was afraid that it would pinch, bite into the skin, or worse, accidentally snare the user forcing them to fight to keep thier head above water while releasing thier ankle from the tangle. This looks like it would eliminate those issues. For the price, even if it doesn't work out, it is worth it.Thanks.