Looking for a swim ladder solution

[drb9]

I have a swim ladder off my stern, which swings up and is held to the stern rail with a line. It's always bothered me that if I fall overboard I could not reach to undo the line. So, I'm wondering if there is a good solution, either bringing the lines down to the deck, or connecting the swim ladder to the stern rail uprights.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Drb9:

Sadly, I do not have a photo of my set up. I will try to explain it in words.

I have a snap hook (I am attaching a photo that sort of looks like the ones I use but they are NOT exactly like the ones I use). I have two of these connected by a bungee cord. One snap hook is attached to one side of stern rail and one end of the bungee cord. The other snap hook is attached to the other end of the bungee cord and the other side of the stern rail. The bungee cord keeps the boarding ladder "up" and secure. The ladder "rests" against the bungee cord.

The snap hooks that I use include a small "ring" on the "trigger" part of the hook. I got them at a local dive shop. I assume they are common albeit I could not find the exact replica in a Mr. Google search. The photo I attached does not show the small ring. I know they make them. I have several. I just could not find a photo on Mr. Google.

Anyways, on one of the small "rings" on one of the "triggers" (port or starboard) I attach a line that hangs down from the snap hook to about one (1) foot above the water line. If I accidentally fall overboard I can pull on this line which will "open" the snap hook and release the bungee cord so that the boarding ladder can be lowered.

I have tested this system in benign conditions and it works for me. I have not tested it in a "real world" situation. As we say - "crawl, walk, run".

I hope this helps a little - assuming my word explanation is understandable.

I remain committed to trying to learn how to take photos that I can put on my computer and then post on this board. Please be patient. It only took me three (3) long years to learn how to post photos that I somehow got onto my computer.

[tjr818]

We have our stern ladder tied up with a slippery hitch and the end of the line hangs down to just above the waterline. Like Roberto we have tested this in calm water and it works. The hardest part is climbing up the ladder and over the rail with slippery hands and feet. I am thinking of installing teak treads on the ladder, or maybe just coach whipping the treads. If I do I will post pictures.

[drb9]

Interesting ideas. I wonder if Sea Hunt is referring to a snap shackle like this:


Thanks. Darin

[Sea Hunt Video]

Darin:

YES EXACTLY

[Sea Hunt Video]

To solve Tim's issue of climbing over the stern rail I had a welder remove a portion of the stern rail and install two (2) new stanchions. The only object in the way now is the backstay which can be used for support when climbing up so that the person boarding the ladder is not pulling too much on the stanchions/stern rail.

To make it easier to climb the ladder rungs in bare feet, the prior owner installed imitation teak/wood slats on the boarding ladder rungs. Much easier to climb up.

[tjr818]

To solve Tim's issue of climbing over the stern rail I had a welder remove a portion of the stern rail and install two (2) new stanchions. The only object in the way now is the backstay which can be used for support when climbing up so that the person boarding the ladder is not pulling too much on the stanchions/stern rail....

I like that idea. I will look into it if the weather ever warms up again

[Jim Walsh]

C. Sherman Johnson markets these ladder treads which can be retrofitted to an existing ladder.
http://www.csjohnson.com/marinecatalog/00054.htm

[jen1722terry]

We climb over the stern rail often, as we keep our dinghy on stern davits. It' not too hard and I'm 67 with arthritic thumbs. Putting some kind of padding on the back stay would help, for it's much easier to pull yourself over the rail using it.

Nice idea using the snap shackles with a release line.

Cheers!l

Terry

[RC James]

Just a REMINDER for everyone else......DoubleCheck those AllenBolts that secure your ladder to the stern fixtures..........
Maybe even run a bolt all the way through them...
You don't need to ask me how I know

RC

[jen1722terry]

Nice tip, RC

Another good use for blue lock tite.

Almost time to launch!

Jenn and Terry