CD25 Swim Ladder Installation

[Frank Fitch]

We are considering the purchase of a swim ladder for our CD25 from Ocean Engineering. We have yet to put any holes in our hull --- intentional or otherwise , so would thus appreciate any words of wisdom, tips, gotchas, warnings etc. with regards to installation of the ladder. Thanks in advance. Frank



us003558@mindspring.com

[jim Stull]

We are considering the purchase of a swim ladder for our CD25 from Ocean Engineering. We have yet to put any holes in our hull --- intentional or otherwise , so would thus appreciate any words of wisdom, tips, gotchas, warnings etc. with regards to installation of the ladder. Thanks in advance. Frank

Hi Frank
We searched around for a swim ladder for our Cd25 for some time but were unable to find one we thought looked "right" on our boat. Also we were unhappy about the hole drilling you mentioned. Finally we decided to build one from wood to match the ambiance of the CD25. It unfolds down far enough for easy access from the water and then folds up, out of the way, against the stern pulpit, when not in use. It has worked very well. In July a large, out of control power boat hit it quite hard while attempting to get into his slip. This cracked the mount but about 30 min work and some epoxy put it as good as new.
I have some photos I can e-mail if you are interested.
Jim



jtstull@icubed.com

[Steve Alarcon]

Frank,

My only comment would be about location. I see many boats with swim ladders on the stern. This is fine for flat water recovery from a swimming session. However, I consider the swim ladder to be a safety item, and that it needs to be available for crew recovery in C.O.B situations. This often happens in rough water circumstances, and in such a case the stern location is less desireable as the boat will have a tendancy to hobby-horse. This can make recovery quite difficult if the person in the water is injured, near exhaustion or suffering from hypothermia. If there are large waves, swells, boat wakes etc., the ladder may be going up and down enough to make it very difficult to climb on to. Also, the person in the water may be getting bonked on the head by the transom, and any crew on deck will be hampered in their ability to assist by standing rigging, the pushpit and any gear hanging on it (BBQ's, COB modules, OB motor for the tender, etc.). I believe the swim ladder should be at or near the boarding gate so as to improve recovery assistance ease and accessability. Also, it is much easier, quicker and safer (think about the prop) to get the boat along side the person in the water than trying to get the stern near them.

Steve Alarcon
CD30 TEMERITY
Seattle



alarcon3@prodigy.net

[Frank Fitch]

We are considering the purchase of a swim ladder for our CD25 from Ocean Engineering. We have yet to put any holes in our hull --- intentional or otherwise , so would thus appreciate any words of wisdom, tips, gotchas, warnings etc. with regards to installation of the ladder. Thanks in advance. Frank

Hi Frank
We searched around for a swim ladder for our Cd25 for some time but were unable to find one we thought looked "right" on our boat. Also we were unhappy about the hole drilling you mentioned. Finally we decided to build one from wood to match the ambiance of the CD25. It unfolds down far enough for easy access from the water and then folds up, out of the way, against the stern pulpit, when not in use. It has worked very well. In July a large, out of control power boat hit it quite hard while attempting to get into his slip. This cracked the mount but about 30 min work and some epoxy put it as good as new.
I have some photos I can e-mail if you are interested.
Jim

Thanks for the responses.... Frank



us003558@mindspring.com