swim platform question

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:34 am Post subject:

marvin-

Here's the bow ladder idea from Bill and Brenda Russell from a previous thread (link below).

I have been corresponding with Bill and Brenda about the Boarding Ladder and Seat Bench Project discussed previously. They have been very ingenious in following through with the original concept!!!

“I HAVE ADOPTED THE COCKPIT SEAT IDEA FOR MY 22 CRUISER BY USING YOUR IDEA FOR THE SEAT/BOARDING PLANK. THANK YOU.

I ALSO MADE A BOARDING LADDER THAT ATTACHES TO THE BOW RAIL OR THE FRONT CLEAT. IT IS MADE UP OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. THREE STEP FOLDING (BASS PRO) LADDER.

2. EYE HOOK (1/2'') WITH 1'' ANGLE IRON.

3. ALUMINUM L CARPET CUSHION.

4. ALUMINUM FLAT CARPET CUSHION.

IT FOLDS UP AND IS LIGHT WEIGHT.

MY LADDER WORKS GREAT FOR MY 70 YEAR OLD KNEES WHEN BOARDING FROM THE TRAILER OR WHEN BEACHED.

Here you can see the attachment set up. An eye bolt with a slot cut out fits around the rail tube and either a nut or roll pin can be used to lock the eye bolt onto the top of the ladder support. Note the cut out also in the inside edge of the aluminum bracket. The tolerance can be made so tight that the resulting unit rotates on and off the boat without having to tighten the nut or put in and remove the roll pin. End of eye bolt has been covered with a white rubber tube for protection from abrasion to passengers. Great Job, Bill!!!

Here you can see the extensions added to the legs of the boarding ladder to hold it out from the falling away angle of the hull. They have been attached to a carpet padded bunk designed to spread out the load and fit the hull. Bill used a Bass Pro Shops ladder, but it looks exactly the same as the Garelick ladder I have on my stern.

Here you can see the bench seat project in place and the boarding ladder stored. Note how neatly the carpeted pad helps hold the ladder quietly and securely.

Here is the link to theoriginal thread on boarding ladders, boarding planks, and such: (
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=1652

I also have a bow mounted boarding ladder project that is shown at the bottom of the first page in a few photos and text.

*******************************

Joe. Teeth

Doryman · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:11 am Post subject:

Can anyone recommend a ladder better than Garelick? I have nothing against Garelick, just wondering what else is out there.

Warren

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:07 am Post subject:

marvin4239 · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:26 am Post subject:

Thanks Joe I searched for about and hour for this. I used a stainless Garlick folding ladder that I already had. If I had to buy one I'd go with the telescoping Windline. I had some adhesive backed rubber that I used in place of the carpet. The eyebolt idea really works well and is easy to put on and take off and very substantial.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject:

marvin2439-

You're welcome regarding finding the article. I seem to be able to remember details that allow one to use the Search engine more effectively, and also know where to look in the Forums.

Either ladder arrangement works well. The advantage of Bill's design is that it can be taken off and stored.

Mind stores right where it is turned up inside the bow pulpit, and doesn't have to have a stand-off leg because the bow rail serves that purpose.

Enjoy your boat!

Joe. Teeth

breausaw · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the great advice and suggestions. I do plan on either making or installing the factory cooler rack, so guess we will just see how well we’re able to traverse over the side to our tender. Can’t see installing a swim step if it’s not accessible.
My thoughts are making a cooler rack that will double as a cleaning table when the cooler is removed.
We just need to get out and use the boat and figure out what works best for us.

breausaw · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:55 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject:

We had the factory swim step on our 22 and an after market swim step (much less expensive, and probably a better ladder) on the 25. We use it mostly when stern to the beach, and never getting into the dinghy. We just step into the dinghy from the cockpit floor--perhaps our legs are longer than the average. But this way is far safer and more stable than using the swim step. We use the Garhauer davit to put the kicker motor on the dinghy, since it is mounted on the opposite side of the dinghy. The swim step is used also for swimming..but again, this is in warmer water than in the PNW (except perhaps Desolation sound area).

Consider after market steps--and yes, you do have to remove the fuel tank for installation of any of these--just remember to epoxy the holes that you drill in the transom.