Safety ladder?

[JSGOLD]

Trying to look ahead.....me and the wife are still new to boating....still learning. We have plenty of safety equipment, tools, lights etc. but we have a deep v boat (16') and wife is concerned if one of us falls overboard that it may be difficult to climb back in. I could easily pull her in but not the other way around. Just a thought...we don't have room for a permanent ladder, and do not plan swimming otherwise as well...but what about a portable type ladder, such as a chain type etc? Anyone carry this sort of thing? I see them made for homes, how about boats?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Safety ladder?

You could make or buy a pretty simple rope ladder that would at least give you something to pull you self up on if needed.

Also, it is possible to use the outdrive/motor to help get your self out of the water on most boats. Obviously you need to be careful and it can only be done when the motor is not running. However, you can use the anti-ventilation plate...the wide flat surface above the prop as a sort of step to get you up to a level that you may be able to pull your self into the boat. I know this used to be pretty a common/normal way to get into a boat....it seems now everyone is used to the convenience/safety of a nice ladder and swim platform.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Safety ladder?

They still make the old school type that hang off the side of the boat. The sides look like candy canes and the hooks swing out from folded and they have 3-4 rungs, enough to ladder up into the boat. More stable and user friendly than a rope type ladder, once folded they dont take up much space and are very light weight.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Safety ladder?

having a ladder is a good idea for safety. you are thinking ahead and correct that it's very hard to help someone back into a boat that's out on the water...

myself, as others have suggested. i climb up my drive and in. but i do have a portable ladder on board just in case. the hang over the gunnel type. i find it just as hard as going up the drive. but at least i have one on board, just in case.

i think a rope ladder would be real hard to climb. but i don't have one so don't know that for a fact.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Safety ladder?

No way I would ever make it up the motor...at least right now....so a ladder is what I will watch for. Hope to find something portable that may come in handy for either us or someone else if need be. HOPEFULLY won't ever need it but as I have learned "adventures" happen from time to time.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Safety ladder?

I've got one of these, folds up small. I have it secured in the splashwell with a velcro strap, easy to reach from the water, the end is secured to a cleat.

I often boat alone, so I thought this might help someday.

http://www.iboats.com/Seasense-Rope...2407514--**********.803584290--view_id.685940

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Safety ladder?

In Canada, a reboarding device is required if the vertical height that must be climbed to reboard the pleasure craft from the water is over 0.5 m (1?8?).

I have a welded aluminum boat and am considering having some rungs welded onto my transom.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Safety ladder?

Mike, is that a provincial law? Been going to Ontario for 40 years, and never heard that law mentioned. curious.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Safety ladder?

Hi Roscoe

That is a Transport Canada Regulation (Small Vessel Regulations). Here is a link.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm

 

[roscoe]

Re: Safety ladder?

thanks Mike