Date: 5/13/2008
Name: Carlos #2
email: calden3@msn.com
subject:ladder
Rick:I found a ladder that works well for me. I'm out of town right now so I can't check the actual make of the ladder (ordered it through local West Marine) but it looks virtually identical to this one but with an extra step:
http://www.boatbandit.com/windline-over-platform-telescoping-drop-ladder-4740.aspx
I, too, was concerned about stress on the transom (I'm a big 230 lbs. of hunkin' manliness) so I found this one that can mount on the top of the transom. I put a piece of 1/2" HD plastic (like cutting board material) as a backing plate, and this thing is solid.
I also put a couple of mahogany blocks, fitted to the vertical posts near the top rung, as rests so the ladder can drop down and rest right against the transom on these pieces of wood with about 1" x 3" of surface area. I can send you a pic if you're interested.
I tied a line around the bottom rung and bring it up to a small cleat on the transom. It stays like this until I release the line and - dunk - the ladder drops way into the water. There is no having to pull oneself up onto the ladder ( I was also thinking about guests and casual swimming.) I can also easily release the ladder from the water, should I fall in in an unplanned manner, like THAT would ever happen.
Carlos
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