RE: WARNING ABOUT BOARDING LADDERS

Larry DeMers · Post by **Larry DeMers** » Jun 13th, '01, 09:47

Hi All,

We found a surprise waiting for us after the past winter. Our boarding ladder, which normally is folded up and stowed against the stern pulpit, would not swing down into it's normal useable position. Turns out that water had accumulated in the sealed S.S. tubing bottom, and froze over winter, slightly enlarging the tubing size, and freezing the hinge action. Silly us..we didn't winterize the boarding ladder....sigh.

I suggest that all those that stow the boat in freezing temps consider drilling several small weep holes in the bottom of the lower tube for the ladder, so that water can escape, rather than ruin a $350 ladder. We are having the effected area removed and a new tube welded on with a slightly oversize tube running over the first, and acting as the hinge and mount for the ladder. This will be a $100 bill at least.

Cheers!

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30

demers@sgi.com