Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: What boarding ladder works best for a 13' sport?
Posted by rockinhitz34 on 07/10/17 - 1:10 PM
#1
Splashdown went super well, motor is running great, now its time to play.
Any advice on how to get out of the water and back into a 13' hull? I like the idea of a light and stowable rope ladder but seems like it would be difficult to actually get back into the boat. Another option are those over the gunnel stainless ladders,but they take up space, and size and weight are everything to me.
Any thoughts/real world experience?
Edited by rockinhitz34 on 07/12/17 - 8:08 AM
Posted by rockinhitz34 on 07/12/17 - 8:09 AM
#2
Any thoughts on how to get back into a 13' whaler from the water?
Posted by EJO on 07/12/17 - 9:38 AM
#3
I can't answer your specific question as to the 13' but I do know a rope ladder type won't work.
You have a pretty small free-board and transom therefore when using a rope type ladder your feet will disappear under the boat causing you not being able to step up with out tremendous upper body strength.
Therefore you need to find a ladder that is straight and sturdy that stands of with some kind of support at the lowest point possible on the boat.
Hopefully somebody here has a ladder on their 13' and can chime in.
Have fun.
Posted by Airwolf2TV on 07/12/17 - 12:13 PM
#4
I'm reluctant to mention this idea...for the forum "backlash" (!!!), but there are boats (even OEM boats) which feature a bow-rigged ladder. I've also seen some articles where people rig small boats this way for diving. Weight, balance and stability is perfect in this scenario.
Like the other person states....probably fairly narrow transom, limited freeboard, etc... Maybe a small platform/1-rung stern ladder could work.
Also agreed that rope ladders and their variants are worthless. I tried those worthless solutions with my
1999 Montauk which didn't come with OEM ladder!! I added the OEM ladder!! Those telescoping fold-up ladders are really well made, compact and come in many mounting options.
Garelick has pretty much every kind of ladder possible....maybe call them for ideas as well.
Hope this helps.
Nick
Edited by Joe Kriz on 07/12/17 - 3:54 PM
Posted by rockinhitz34 on 07/13/17 - 9:39 AM
#6
Perfect, thanks for the info everyone I appreciate it.
Posted by MarkTemplar on 07/14/17 - 3:00 PM
#7
Rope ladders work, but I found the rungs can't be wider than 6" and must be kept short in length [yes, ladder does slip underneath hull]. Plans found on YouTube. Takes some co-ordination and strength to use in the real world. Wife thought the rope ladder s**ked, but it's great for emergency imho. Stores nicely in the forward locker.