Rope boarding ladders ...

[matt2002]

I made one up out of 3/8 poly and some cut down clam aluminum rake poles as the rungs , a 17" length of #3 inside a 17" length of # 4.Thought it would work like a charm.
With my feet on the first rung my feet go under the boat.Its totally unuseable.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

Yup, had the same experience...us BOB's need something better to reboard the boat. Another thread recommended the rigid ladders that hook over the gunwhale...you have everyone move to the other side of the boat before you try to board. Haven't tried it, but might help. I try not to leave the boat...never get out of the boat...unless there's an easy way back in off a dock or rock. Don't want to break a rib or arm.

 

[matt2002]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

LOL.I never really thought about this until I saw the movie Open Water 2.I then thought about what I would do if I accidently fell overboard.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

you can always use the av plate on the motor for a step, and crawl over the stern.
tmcalavy, you almost got the story right, we would all get on the ladder side, so the ladder was further in the water, then as he put his weight on the ladder, we all ran to the other side, to sort of catapult him into the boat.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

Rope ladders work best (and are almost usable) when used from the side. But I'm not sure that can be done up next to a boat.

 

[mike64]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

Interesting, I was thinking of making a rope ladder myself. Sounds like it's not worth bothering with. Maybe I'll just shell out for a rigid hook-style then.

 

[matt2002]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

Rope ladders work best (and are almost usable) when used from the side. But I'm not sure that can be done up next to a boat.

I did have it on the side.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

I did have it on the side.

I meant you climb the ladder from the side....placing one foot on the rung from one side and the next foot on the next rung from the other side.........not like you'd climb a traditional ladder. There that should be clear as mud.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

Climbing the ladder isn't the problem, problem is the ladder/boat just tilts so you wind up climbing at an awkward angle...mostly under the boat and then can't get any further because of the boat. Over the outboard is the best route, especially if there is a boarding platform back there. Maybe somethin like a diving board or teeter-totter...lower one end to the swimmer, others pile onto the other end on opposite side of the boat, then slither back aboard...hmm, maybe not.

 

[matt2002]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

Limited Time , With your method would the foot be parallel or perpendicular to the rung ?

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Rope boarding ladders ...

Limited Time , With your method would the foot be parallel or perpendicular to the rung ?

Parallel for the most part. I've seen it done this way in training films when rope or soft ladders are used....................I'm just not sure how well it would work in boarding a small craft.