Swim ladder and PLBs

tparrent · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 2:05 pm Post subject: Swim ladder and PLBs

Both sort of relate to falling off the boat...

At great risk to my cellphone, I snapped this picture of what I believe to be the swim ladder bracket.

It doesn't quite look like the Armstrong brackets I have seen online.

Any idea if this is generic enough to be compatible with a range of swim ladders?

Given my antics around the dock, I definitely need to get a ladder right away.

I also read the ditch bag posting. Without rehashing all of the points raised there, I would like to know if you have preferences for a PLB. Don't plan to use it , do plan to have it attached to me at all times. I've gone back to the practice I had when sailing of always wearing a PFD when underway solo. I'll clip the PLB to the PFD.

That one overnight cruise has revved up my enthusiasm for some local cruising. Just need a little more consistently warm weather so I can anchor out comfortably and un-winterize the plumbing. That should happen around March 1 hereabouts.

Thanks!

Pacificcoast101 · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 2:44 pm Post subject:

That bracket works with most ladders, If you get an Armstrong ladder, you simply remove the four bolts in your current bracket and replace them with the Armstrong bracket. It fits into the same four holes.

thataway · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:40 pm Post subject:

Definitely get a good dive ladder--you can find them starting at $80...but I would go with the known and sturdy brands. Don't skimp here.

I have gone mostly with ACR PLB acr ResQLink 400 for about $300 which is buoyant. The McMurdo FAST FIND 220 is about $250 and is not buoyant. The McMurdo is smaller, but a bit more difficult to deploy the antenna. I have owned both--or similar prior products. The replacement battery runs in the $40 to $99 range.

We clip the PLB to the life jacket if off shore, in rough water etc. We also will carry a submersible VHF DSC enabled radio in similar conditions.