Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by dahshore on 05/12/14 - 11:52 AM

Hi. Has anyone ever found a good boarding ladder and platform for the 17 foot whaler ? I know the best is a 2 rail made by a vendor but 400.00 out of my budget. Has anyone tried to take a 2 rail and bend it ? The one Joe has looks great and well supported with one rail. It looks like a one rail is the only thing that will work and in my price range. Any suggestions or comments welcome. I have checked ebay,and craigslist.

Posted by wing15601 on 05/12/14 - 12:03 PM

Boat/US did a boarding ladder comparison test (you can google boatus boarding ladder test) and the Garelick inflatable boat boarding ladder. along with the C-Level, both rated highest on the test. They reccomend both for the Whaler. It's a good article worth the read. I bought the C-Level 2 step last year and am able to get back into the boat with it. I have recently purchased the Garelick but haven't had a chance to test it yet. I'm 70 years old so I can't rely on upper body strength as much now so I'm trying to find what works best for me. I had the C-Level tied to the aft end of the bow rail and just tucked it behind the rail folded up. Its very easy to deploy and tied low on the rail near the standoff it felt very secure.

Edited by wing15601 on 05/12/14 - 12:24 PM

Posted by dahshore on 05/12/14 - 5:10 PM

Hi. I have you beat in years and do not like a single point attachment ladder. Had them on sailboats for boarding and mast, seems like a lots of work to me. l am looking for firmness and quick on and off capabilities. I go to St Pete in the winter so If you see something when your down in Fla. let me know. Thanks for the reply.

Posted by gchuba on 05/12/14 - 9:02 PM

Cary,
I read the Boatus article that Wing is referring to. Very interesting and informative. Well worth the time. From information in the article I purchased the Platismo 5 step safety ladder. Scored well with the Whaler. I have a walk through stainless rail set up on my 1979 22ft Revenge. My walk through is similar to the Montauk walk through between the bow and stern rails. I have a folding ladder tucked away which is fine if some one is in the boat with a man overboard. The Platismo ladder has two attaching points and it is going between the two uprights of the walk through part of the stainless rail. Removable but also secure when underway. Getting it for the off chance I fall overboard by myself. Has not arrived yet but will keep you posted. Thank you Wing for letting us know about the "Ladder Test".
Garris