CD 27 Proper Boarding Ladder

[Scott]

Don't know about Ocean Engineering's product. I installed a stainless ladder on the transom of my CD 27. Tops in Quality made the ladder and I got it with the plastic steps. I used a conduit bender to put about a 30 degree bent in it so the part that enters the water is vertical and it almost touches the stern rail when raised. With this setup, you have to climb over the stern rail. Not exactly graceful, but possible. It's also possible to use a piece of bunge cord with a slip knot so you can get the ladder down if you are in the water. Installation wasn't hard, but measure twice and you'll need a helper inside the boat to turn the nuts.

I had a Taylor folding plastic ladder with a previous boat that mounted on the side. Eventually, it broke.

The right answer depends on the reason you want the ladder. The side mount is great for swimming at anchor, but you can't install it (well, I couldn't) with the boat moving. The transom mount is better for emergencies because it's always in place and you can lower it with the boat underway.

One word of caution for solo sailing. No one can swim fast enough to catch a sailboat that's underway. If you expect to be able to get back on the boat, you need to trail a line (preferably floating PVC). You can't swin to the boat but you may be able to grab the line and pull yourself to the boat. Just don't motor in reverse until after you retreive the trailing line or you stand a good chance of wrapping it around the prop. I know this can happen (at least with a Catalina 27).



ritcheyvs@aol.com

[Neil Gordon]

>>If you expect to be able to get back on the boat, you need to trail a line ...<<

The best strategy is to keep yourself on board in the first place. Alternatively, put the boat in a position that if you leave unexpectedly, it will stop. Articles I've seen suggest that attached to the boat, you'll get towed along nicely, but don't count on having the strength to do more than hang on for a while.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[Dave Olson]

We installed the ladder from Ocean Engineering and it is Da Kine! I like the slip knot idea as well as the trailing floating line idea. Consider this...

Your floating line can also be an engine kill, autopilot disconnect, strobe light activator, horn activator or whatever your creativity can assemble to allow yourself a second chance.

***BUT*** Seems to me that a guy (alone/autopilot/no folks around)should not leave the cockpit without a harness tethered closely, if at all, cuz none of these above listed ideas sound like much fun.

Let us know what you come up with...
Dave

I am considering Ocean Enginering's transom mounted ladder. How does one deal with the the stern rail? Climb over or is there a modification or ?

Thanks.

Olsonacre@compuserve.com