Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

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verbious

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 8, 2011
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36
I have been searching the forums high and low for a few weeks in search of a suggestion for an easier and SAFER way to get from the cockpit to the deck.

We have a 1988 Invader V210 Cuddy Cabin. The windshield opens in the center.

The boat is still covered for winter so I can't easily do any measuring, but I could really use some suggestions for a ladder or steps that will make it much easier and safer to go from the cuddy out to the deck.

Commercial, Home grown, or other ideas! I will entertain them all.
 
JoLin

JoLin

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Messages
5,146
Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

Some pics might help. Not familiar with the layout of your boat. Where's the entrance to the cuddy? Would a ladder block that, and thus have to be removable? How do you get to the foredeck now?

There are potentially a lot of ways to do this- a permanent or removable, modified boarding ladder. A home-made, permanent or removable ladder. How about an aluminum step ladder (Home Depoty variety) cut down and fitted as needed?
 
Texasmark

Texasmark

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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

They make bow hatches just for that purpose. I'd bet you could do some looking around, maybe get in touch with Invader (here in TX. as I recall) or Thunderbird in Florida and maybe they have some OEM hatches you can purchase or know where to find them. Or just Google the subject.

I don't know how one would configure a ladder to function for the desired objective. No place to put it and besides would be very unsightly in my opinion. On larger boats they have a walkway around the side of the cabin with a grab rail running along side on top of the cabin for support and a bow hatch.

That was always my main objection to having a closed bow. I had one, an 18' Starcraft I/O and it was awkward just getting around the WS, no cuddy involved. On other boats I bought the bow rider. Course if I were going out in open water the bow rider idea was out.

HTH,
Mark
 
Bayou Dave

Bayou Dave

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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

verbious said:
I have been searching the forums high and low for a few weeks in search of a suggestion for an easier and SAFER way to get from the cockpit to the deck.

We have a 1988 Invader V210 Cuddy Cabin. The windshield opens in the center.

The boat is still covered for winter so I can't easily do any measuring, but I could really use some suggestions for a ladder or steps that will make it much easier and safer to go from the cuddy out to the deck.

Commercial, Home grown, or other ideas! I will entertain them all.
Click to expand...


Is this the situation you are talking about? I haven't figured it out yet, but will before the season starts.
 

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verbious

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 8, 2011
Messages
36
Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

DRS4164 said:
Is this the situation you are talking about? I haven't figured it out yet, but will before the season starts.
Click to expand...

This is the exact situation that I am talking about. I do climb in and out of the bow hatch sometimes, and a ladder would block access to the cuddy and therefore would have to be removable and stowable.

I had considered that a ladder or steps could be unsightly, that is why I figured I would get the ideas and opinions of the forum. There is so much experience here and certainly someone has addressed the situation before.

If climbing in and out of the bow hatch is what I have to live with, then so be it.
 
F

frantically relaxing

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Nov 19, 2011
Messages
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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

If you have some space to store one along a wall in the cockpit or even in the cuddy, a small RV bunk ladder would work. They're small and light but very strong, and can be easily cut down to the exact size you need...

bunkladder.jpg
 
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verbious

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Aug 8, 2011
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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

That telescoping/collapsible ladder is pretty awesome! It is a little pricey compared to the RV bunk ladder, but it would serve multiple purposes. I never thought of RV bunk ladders....

My interior of my boat is slightly different than the one you posted the picture of, but it is similar enough. The door to the cuddy bifolds from port to starboard.

After thinking about what Texasmark posted about the purpose of the bow hatch, it has me wondering. Is the deck area between the windshield really made for foot traffic and the weight of me? (or any other person) If the windshield was not intended as a pass through for people what is the intended purpose?
 
spoilsofwar

spoilsofwar

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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

My Stingray has a single swing-out step that is mounted to the cabin bulkhead under the helm. When you want to get onto the foredeck, you open the windshield and swing out the step; done. When you dont need it, its out of the way, flat against the bulkhead. It locks in place in both positions.

You can see it in this stock photo:
195cs_interior.jpg
 
V

verbious

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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

These are all excellent ideas! Thank you very much. I really like the swing out step in the last picture. I would have to leave the cuddy door closed to get up to the deck, but that step would probably be perfect. Now I just have to find one!
 
H

haulnazz15

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Messages
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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

Why not just step up on the port-side seat and onto the dash? I agree that the swing-out step is the best option if you insist on a ladder, but it doesn't seem like too much of an inconvenience to step on the seat cushion and then onto the dash.
 
Bayou Dave

Bayou Dave

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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

I would hesitate to step on the port side seat and grab the windshield to maintain my balance. There is nothing else there to hold on to. Ripping off a window and frame could be the result.
 
H

haulnazz15

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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

I seriously doubt you'd rip off any of the window frame. It's secured to the gunnel and bow, with support rods in the middle. Sure, I wouldn't be putting all of my weight onto it, but to use as a hand-rail, sure. YMMV.
 
spoilsofwar

spoilsofwar

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Re: Cockpit Ladder/Cockpit Steps Suggestions

verbious said:
These are all excellent ideas! Thank you very much. I really like the swing out step in the last picture. I would have to leave the cuddy door closed to get up to the deck, but that step would probably be perfect. Now I just have to find one!
Click to expand...

216.0012.jpg


Stingray part #216.0012 "Ladder, swing out" Price $139.90
Any Stingray dealer can order it for you. Might be cheaper if you can find out who actually manufactures it, and buy it from them.
 
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