Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

The more I think about this, the more I believe you would be best served by attaching your ladder to an eye bolt through the transom. That is simple, inexpensive, and would cause no strain to the boat fabric or floorboards.

You could use a strap around the floorboards as someone mentioned, but that may present problems when inflating the boat.

By doing this, you would not have to decide where to glue on d-rings without putting a strain on the boat fabric.

We have probably overthought this project.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab-2QAahn3w

LOL, I had seen those videos the other night. Let me show you guy what I did today and it worked BEAUTIFULLY. It may have been a lot of roping but it took only a few minutes and it supported my husband who is 6 foot 4 inches at 230lbs and there was no strain that I could see and we both came back on the boat in a jiffy. Here are pics will post in the next post.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

Could be shorter or longer, will dpend on the bather's height, climbing onboard fast it's a matter of synchronizing step & belt pull so it doesn't swing under the tubes.

Happy Boating

Guya, thi sis what I did yesterday and today. It worked fantastically with no problems. I roped it at the back thru the handle and looped it around the handle two times, then took it thru the eye ring on my transom two times where the majority of the pull would come from the transom, then I furtehr carried it back over to the next handle and did the same then came back to the first handle and finished tieing it off with a a double hitch.Here are the pics.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

Did anybody see the pics? I know its a bit ropey but it worked. I will prolly do it a bit differently next time but still put the main strain on the eye ring on the Transom.. The ladder never shifted nor did it swing while boarding the boat.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

The main thing is that it worked. Those are good pictures, by the way.

I did not understand about the loop in the center of the boat, but that is the place a safety line for the motor would be fastened. That is a cast plate, so it could be brittle. I believe you should put an eye bolt through the hole in the transom where the launching wheels attach and get a stronger connection. Use the hole on the opposite side of the transom from the side the ladder rests against the tube. Using a wing nut and washers on the bolt would make it easilly removable while still giving a strong point for attachment.

There seems to be an attachment for the grab strap right where it would be usuable. A rope running across the boat attached to the grab strap mount would steady the ladder if needed, but the ladder going against the side of the boat would probably be all you need.

The ladder would be further back than where it is in the pictures, but should work well there. You could use the seat and motor to help you climb back into the boat.

The picture you referenced for the ladder showed ropes attached on both arms of the ladder which are joined to form a single rope with a snap on it. If your ladder has this arrangement, then the snap could attach to the eye bolt and you should be ready to use the ladder.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

The main thing is that it worked. Those are good pictures, by the way.

I did not understand about the loop in the center of the boat, but that is the place a safety line for the motor would be fastened. That is a cast plate, so it could be brittle. I believe you should put an eye bolt through the hole in the transom where the launching wheels attach and get a stronger connection. Use the hole on the opposite side of the transom from the side the ladder rests against the tube. Using a wing nut and washers on the bolt would make it easilly removable while still giving a strong point for attachment.

There seems to be an attachment for the grab strap right where it would be usuable. A rope running across the boat attached to the grab strap mount would steady the ladder if needed, but the ladder going against the side of the boat would probably be all you need.

The ladder would be further back than where it is in the pictures, but should work well there. You could use the seat and motor to help you climb back into the boat.

The picture you referenced for the ladder showed ropes attached on both arms of the ladder which are joined to form a single rope with a snap on it. If your ladder has this arrangement, then the snap could attach to the eye bolt and you should be ready to use the ladder.

Thanks for the compliment on the pics. I try my best lol.

So DONT use the safety hole on the plated transom engine holder then? I thought that is what an eye bolt was. What exactly is an eye bolt? I do have two holes that are from the Zodiac factory so I can do as you say as well. the ropes running in the middle were connected to the hole of the metal place on the transom. Yes, there are two holes on this ladder that I laced two individual 16 feet ropes thru. so you are saying i do not need anythign else but the two ropes joined with a metal snap or clasp?

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

An eye bolt has a ring on the end of the bolt. (Probably a 3/8 in bolt would fit or the next larger metric size.) You could probably find a picture of an eye bolt on the web. Put the eye on the inside of the boat. If you use a wing nut to hold the bolt, you could remove the bolt when folding the boat.

You could tie the rope to the eye bolt without having to purchase a snap.

If you look at the ladders on the Defender Industries web site, you should see a ladder fastened to an eye bolt through the existing holes through the transom. That is a very secure place to attach to the boat. Look back at the picture you showed in an earlier post of your ladder and it shows ropes with a snap on it.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

An eye bolt has a ring on the end of the bolt. (Probably a 3/8 in bolt would fit or the next larger metric size.) You could probably find a picture of an eye bolt on the web. Put the eye on the inside of the boat. If you use a wing nut to hold the bolt, you could remove the bolt when folding the boat.

You could tie the rope to the eye bolt without having to purchase a snap.

If you look at the ladders on the Defender Industries web site, you should see a ladder fastened to an eye bolt through the existing holes through the transom. That is a very secure place to attach to the boat. Look back at the picture you showed in an earlier post of your ladder and it shows ropes with a snap on it.

I have a snap but the plastic rope and snap I didnt like, so I replaced it with thel ong rope and I have lots of extra snaps all kinds, some accommodating as much as 350kg. But wont this method put stress on the transom`?

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

The transom is the strongest part of the boat, so don't worry about that. I would use the larger diameter stainless steel washers to spread the load to a larger area of the plywood.

It sounds like the plastic rope may be a type which would float. It works, but it is not my favorite to tie knots in. If it is braided, it may be spliceable though. Use a heavy enough rope to handle your husbands weight plus a safety margin of a non rotting material and you will be fine. Let me know how you like it when you test out the ladder.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

The transom is the strongest part of the boat, so don't worry about that. I would use the larger diameter stainless steel washers to spread the load to a larger area of the plywood.

It sounds like the plastic rope may be a type which would float. It works, but it is not my favorite to tie knots in. If it is braided, it may be spliceable though. Use a heavy enough rope to handle your husbands weight plus a safety margin of a non rotting material and you will be fine. Let me know how you like it when you test out the ladder.

The rope I have is up to 110kg and it is floatable but not plastic but some kind of nylon and poly something. That cheap plastic crap they sent with the ladder is awful you cant tie anything with it. and is certainly NOT spliceable.

Hear what, I ordered 5 drings. Should I put two at the back of the blue part of the tubes then put two more in the middle of the boat then run the ropes thru those eye bolts then distribute the weight to the drings? Watcha think?

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

You could certainly do that, but an eye bolt through the transom would be simpler and stronger. Look at this ad for an idea of where to place the ladder when using an eye bolt.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|294|92384&id=97882

I have concerns that d-rings on patches may put too much stress on the fabric even though at one time I thought that would be a good way to hang the ladder.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

An additional thought here. Just when I have convinced myself not to take a chance on overloading the fabric, I run accross this pdf. Your idea of two d-rings is evidently good.

http://www.garelick.com/files/12.197.pdf

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

You could certainly do that, but an eye bolt through the transom would be simpler and stronger. Look at this ad for an idea of where to place the ladder when using an eye bolt.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|294|92384&id=97882

I have concerns that d-rings on patches may put too much stress on the fabric even though at one time I thought that would be a good way to hang the ladder.

That ladder does look similar to mine except the both hand grips it has at the top. So in face the ladder should be wrapped around the tube then? Is that why its curved?

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

An additional thought here. Just when I have convinced myself not to take a chance on overloading the fabric, I run accross this pdf. Your idea of two d-rings is evidently good.

http://www.garelick.com/files/12.197.pdf

WOW, so we have both ways to do it. What I may do for less strain on the fabric is do your method of the eye rings then once my drings are installed I will put half pressure on the eye rings and then the drings so no one place is fully stressed. My hubby is big boy 6 4inches and 230lbs. I am smaller by far so my small weight is not a concern but his. If only he will go on a diet

 

[abdiver7777]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

I have one of those stainless folding ladders that simply have a caribeaner type clip on a loop of rope. The clip simply attaches to the outboard lock ring that is bolted to the center of the transom and is just under the outboard compression clamps that you tighten when you install the outboard. The ladder hangs off the side in line with the transom. It doesn't get more robust than that.........

I'm 6' 270lbs and no problems in and out of my zodiac fastroller.........

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

Sounds like you have a plan.

Just to make you feel better about transom strength, the Torqeedo 4.OR electric motor is advertised to be about 9.9 HP and puts out 215 lb of force. The transom of your boat would handle that amount of thrust in addition to the weight of the motor easilly. It should have no problem handling your husband.

Yes, the curve of the ladder is supposed to face the tubes to spread out the load on the tubes.

It is good to see a lady so interested in her boat. My wife owns an inflatable and a kayak and is very proud of them also. Don't know how to post pictures, but my favorite is her with a fish from a recent trip with the grandchildren. The next trip is planned to kayak fish in the St. Petersburg area of Florida.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

I have one of those stainless folding ladders that simply have a caribeaner type clip on a loop of rope. The clip simply attaches to the outboard lock ring that is bolted to the center of the transom and is just under the outboard compression clamps that you tighten when you install the outboard. The ladder hangs off the side in line with the transom. It doesn't get more robust than that.........

I'm 6' 270lbs and no problems in and out of my zodiac fastroller.........

WOW, well next time you do this, can you take a pic? What dou you mean in line at the side of the tube or at the back with the engine? I had tied my jungle ropes to the same loop in the transom under the engine and it worked. But I am still going to put on some D rings. may not get them put on before season it out, but for sure they will be functional by next seaspon. We are getting a bit on the coooolllddd side over here.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Where to install a Ladder on a Zodiac SIB?

Sounds like you have a plan.

Just to make you feel better about transom strength, the Torqeedo 4.OR electric motor is advertised to be about 9.9 HP and puts out 215 lb of force. The transom of your boat would handle that amount of thrust in addition to the weight of the motor easilly. It should have no problem handling your husband.

Yes, the curve of the ladder is supposed to face the tubes to spread out the load on the tubes.

It is good to see a lady so interested in her boat. My wife owns an inflatable and a kayak and is very proud of them also. Don't know how to post pictures, but my favorite is her with a fish from a recent trip with the grandchildren. The next trip is planned to kayak fish in the St. Petersburg area of Florida.

We dont have a torquedo and I have to find out the price here. I heard they are a wopper of a price over here. But then again, everything is. Gruhh..

Yup, I seem to show much more interest in my boat than my hubby. I guess I am the handy man captain and he is the passenger? I do most of the driving also and docking and all that. He is still not confident. He has not been in boats during his life so its a new thing for him. Whereas, I have been. And I sure am learning a lot from you all on this forum.

To post pics, well do this see where you click reply, you have a choice to post quick reply, or GO Advanced, click go Advanced, then scroll down it will show you manage attachments. Then click that, your pop up will guide you to your hard drive and then just select the pics from there, by selecting add pics, then once all five is uploaded click upload and wait for them to appear at a box below the screen, then click DONE. then go back and click post reply. and you will see the pics.


I also love to fish but these strange German rules I must say. they want me to go to school to LEARN TO FISH, well hello, I have been fishing since I was about 5. So I cant fish in Germany unless I poach, which I have not tried lol. I can fish in France but cant run over there all the time. I did fish in France over summer but only caught a cold LOL