Boarding ladder modification

[Jim Walsh]

The CD31 has a beautiful boarding ladder incorporated into the design of the stern rail. Having mounted a Monitor wind vane last spring required the removal of the boarding ladder. I priced some beautiful replacements but found that I was quickly approaching a boat unit. After an intensive Internet search I located a ladder which had the attributes to satisfy my needs, a stainless five step folding ladder with flat steps. I ordered it through an outfit which caters to mid-western power boats. Upon arrival I was actually very happy with the build quality of the product and stunned at the very reasonable price.
It arrived with two sets of mounting cleats but neither fit the location I'd chosen, which was my teak toerail right at the starboard boarding gate. I had one set altered by a local welder and the result was perfectly suited to my needs. Having used the ladder on several occasions this past summer I realised that the legs, or stand off's, were too short, serviceable, but just too short. They were also of equal length which did not take into account for the voluptuous curves of a CD31's stern quarters. I spoke to a marine welder and he estimated materials and labor at $100.00 minimum to extend the legs to the length I required. My final solution was to use schedule 40 PVC pipe. My final cost was less than $5.00. The 1" ID PVC pipe tightly fit the 1" OD stainless tubing so there is no play in the extensions. I don't usually go for the Rube Goldberg solutions to challenges but in this instance I think it worked out pretty well for something put to infrequent use.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Jim:

I am not sure how your solution is a "Rube Goldberg" solution. Your solution seems pretty simple and straightforward and looks good. Not much like a Rube Goldberg solution.

My only complaint is that I wished you had posted your solution about 4 months ago. I was trying to figure a way to extend my legs about 2". It NEVER occurred to me to use PVC. Next haulout I will work on that. Thanks

[David Morton]

Jim, Wouldn't mind seeing a photo of the attachments at the toenail. Thinking about doing something similar with Danusia.

David

[Jim Walsh]

Roberto,
I may spray paint them flat black in the spring and tell everyone they're carbon fiber.

[Jim Walsh]

David,
Not easy with the winter cover in the way but I'll see what I can do and post a picture.

[Jim Walsh]

David,
As requested. The tabs with the holes had been vertical, I had them sliced off and re welded to a horizontal orientation to accommodate where I wished to mount them.

[jreinhard]

Jim,
Elegant solution. Can you supply the name of your source of the ladder?

[Jim Walsh]

Bought it on eBay from greatlakesskipper, here is the description.
^ DIVE N DOG L-3-2-12-D-F SS 52 1/2 5 STEP FOLDING TRANSOM MOUNT BOAT LADDER
( 400644827782 )
Try a search, maybe they have some or you can email the vendor and inquire as to availability. I really like the ladder. It's very sturdy and well made.