Boat Access - solo launching

flabeachcomber · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 11:20 am Post subject: Boat Access - solo launching

At my community ramp there is no dock adjacent to the ramp, and marsh (mud) along both sides of the ramp. My only access to the boat in order to drive it off the trailer is to climb from the trailer under the bow rail.
Has any one built a gankplank or ladder device to get from the trailer to the bow? Any suggestions, photos, etc. would be greatly appreciated!!
Pete
Saint Helna Island, SC

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 11:45 am Post subject:

Pete, I also have a similar situation. Concrete ramp with no dock.
This catwalk I bought from a guy for $75 and my neighbor re worked it for my trailer. All hot dipped galvanized. Three 3" brackets drop down over the 3" frame to support the catwalk. This originally cost the guy about $1000 I think he said. A little pricey for him, not for me at 75 bucks. It is now laying on the garage floor awaiting the new 25 trailer. I am still working on having a ladder up to the bow from the winch area.

Sneaks · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:21 pm Post subject:

There are lots of ideas around. Some use their spare tire as a "step." I went the cheap route. Bolted a 6" hot dipped trailer spacer I got at West Marine so it stuck out far enough for a half way point up or down. Then I step on the winch mount and over the top rail rather than under it. Geezerhood (and gravitational enhancements) prevent me from going under it like I used to. Crying or Very sad

flabeachcomber · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:23 pm Post subject:

Dave - thanks for reply. Looks like the catwalk would do the trick. Let me know if you come with access device to the bow. I will continue searching forums for this and will let you know when i come up with something.
Thanks again,
Pete

flabeachcomber · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:40 pm Post subject:

Pete- This is a tough one!

The absolute best for launching would be to build a ladder attached to the trailer tongue that fits up to the top of the bow rail. For this, I would find a local trailer builder that offers such options and have him custom design and build one for your situation. I have such a ladder on my pontoon boat, and it works like a dream, although the height on the C Dory will have to be greater because of the bow pulpit.

Alternately, one could have a multi-purpose stainless ladder fabricated by a rail shop that would be hinged on the bow pulpit and swing down to the trailer for launching and to the shore when beached for embarking and disembarking. It could be folded back on the deck when not in use, or have ball-lock hinge pins pulled and then stored on the roof or elsewhere. For those of us who like beaching the boat at the bow, this would be a great improvement over climbing over the "jungle gym" bow pulpit! The rungs could be made somewhat flat for greater comfort, and/or fitted with non-skid tape for grip. The type of anchor and bow roller would have to be considered in such a design to allow adequate clearance. Adding a "landing platform" on the trailer tongue for the ladder base might be useful, depending on the design and space availability.

flabeachcomber · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 1:10 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf - Great input...much food for thought. I'm first going to explore a ladder attached to the trailer tongue that fits up to the top of the bow rail as you described. I would probably want it to hinge at the trailer mount and possibly be removable also.
I will post later what I come up with (with photos).
Thanks again for your ideas!
Pete