To swim or not to swim, that's the ???????

[mccauley13]

I know that this isn't the most pressing of questions, given mast fallings, keel drops and sea monster attacks, but I have a problem. When I do haul my 6'1" 230 lb frame over the side to swim and if Greenpeace dosen't try to throw me back in, getting back into the boat is a real issue. I have made "step treads" for the five step ladder so getting UP is no problem. Where the fun starts is getting over/under the stern rail. I have thought of adding a platform but don't know where to put it (transon is pretty full with the outboard, tiller and swim ladder. All suggestions appreciated and wanted (except the ones suggesting that I lose thirty pounds).

Come on Sum, I'll bet you have an idea that will work.

 

[caguy]

Just be glad you're not this guy.

Before I put a stern ladder on I used a hook ladder that hooks on the gunnel. I had to add a rung made of rope but it worked fairly well. I used it to get into the dink as well.
I also move the split stays to a single stay. That makes getting over the stern rail easier.

Why you should have a transom ladder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjW0cZHUvSQ

 

[mccauley13]

Re: Just be glad you're not this guy.

Thanks CAGUY, I feel so much better already...

 

[MrBill_FLL]

how about putting a folding step on the outside above the rub rail? to help make the transition over the rail...

http://www.iboats.com/Folding-Step/dm/cart_id.416727576--session_id.626249483--view_id.237524

or maybe this

http://www.iboats.com/Oak-Foot-Rest/dm/cart_id.416727576--session_id.626249483--view_id.38726

 

[Sumner]

....... Where the fun starts is getting over/under the stern rail. I have thought of adding a platform but don't know where to put it (transon is pretty full with the outboard, tiller and swim ladder. ......

I just added another step to the bottom of our ladder to make it easier to get on it in the water. I also added the flat steps like others have done.

Our big problem was also getting past the rail at the stern to or from the ladder. I have long legs and could step over it. Ruth couldn't, so I ....

....opened up the railing and now it is real easy for anyone to go on or off the boat. The mod is here....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/outside-4.html

... if you haven't seen it. I made the fittings, but you can buy stainless ones,

Sum

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

Our Mac Pages

Mac-Venture Links

 

[mccauley13]

thanks guys, I'll post whatever I end up doing.

 

[mccauley13]

O.K. guys, here's my answer to keeping Greenpeace from trying to throw me back into the lake every time I try to get back into the boat. I had 4" flat al. stock broken into a 90 degree stock and then made into a bracket (times two). The treads are cutdown "plastic" deck boards that match the treads on my swim ladder. I'll mount it as high as I can to SBD of the ladder. Pictures of the mount will follow after the weekend.

 

[mccauley13]

Let's try again......