Boarding Planks, Ladders, and Other Ideas

[Sea Wolf]

Larry-

Thanks for the compliments!

The PV pipes on the trailer have holes drilled every 20" or so from front to back. There are 20 numbered ribs from front to back made up of 1/2" diameter smaller PVC pipes with 1/2" dowels inserted into the ends that fit into the holes in the bigger pipes. They form a "covered wagon" like structure over the boat to hold a cover for storage that is above all the sharp points and won't tear from the wind, rain, etc. The ones in the front are shorter than the ones in the middle, etc. Bungees hold the cover ends down over the ribs to the trailer frame.

It's for storage when the barn isn't available.

If this isn't sufficient, let me know!

Joe.

[Larry H]

Joe,

Thanks, now I remember that you explained about your cover in a previous thread.

[Papillon]

Hi Joe,
I just noticed that you had added port holes on your boat. They look great and fit the space like a glove. More details please and pictures of the install if you have them.

Mike

[Sneaks]

Thanks for the photos, Joe. Good old Ebay had 'em for less than a Benjamin so I snapped one up.

I like your portholes as well, though it's not something I'd do myself.

Don

[oldgrowth]

Joe – a good design that is useful and looks professionally done as all of your projects do.
Do you push the boat off then jump on the ladder or board the boat and push off with a pole?

[Sea Wolf]

Mike and Don-

The portholes were installed by the previous owner. They're all plastic and (if you can't see them well) are paralleograms in shape. They fit in pretty well with the trim lines w/o too much interference. They do not open. I've never taken the trouble to find the manufacturer, but could if someone wants me to look.

Dave-

The ladder is so new I've never used it in launching or retrieving, but I'd guess iut would be easier to push the boat off and then step onto the ladder and climb up- too much friction and too poor an angle to use the boat hook, even with a roller trailer unless you back in really deep and are fully floating already.

Thanks to all for the interest!

Joe.

[Mr. Fisherman]

I would appreciate a pic of the trailer storage/shelter in action.

[Sea Wolf]

Ray-

I just stripped the boat down for rubbing out and waxing, etc. I'll get you a set of propgressive assembly photos ASAP! Joe.

[TyBoo]

[Sea Wolf]

PROPGRESSIVE: (definition) Mental state of young, agressive, speed loving powerboaters who favor increased prop pitch to excess, resulting in the actrual lowering of boatspeed and personal embarassment. Antonym: PROPREGRESSIVE: old farts simply messing around in boats on borrowed time who don't give a hoot about boat motor performance as long as they still have a brew or two and can find the Viagra bottle.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Now that there is funny, I don't care who you are...
And I am looking forward to the pics.
I did check your album before asking.

I like the boarding ladder idea but think as much as I am in open water it would wear and make a lot of noise... Maybe it could be put on with with release pins?

I bet it is great for trailering...

[Sea Wolf]

Ray-

I actually thought of putting it on with ball-lock release pins at the hinge points before I mounted it.

But with the three bungees (or the equivalent), it doesn't move or make any noise at all, and I have been in some rough 3-4 ft chop with it.

I also thought of lashing a small inflated fender on the underside of it to take the load that is now transferred to the hull through the ruib rail, but it seems so stable and solid that I haven't done it.

Joe.

[Papillon]

Sea Angel has a nice setup for the inboarding step I thought would fit in nicely with this thread.

[Sneaks]

[oldgrowth]