Boat Ladder for 20' Boat

[BillyBudd]

Had no luck using my rope and wood rung boat ladder. There's a very large & heavy shackle (as in "huge") on the end for weight to hold it down, but when I attempt to use the ladder it sweeps under the boat (Bolger's Chebacco which only draws 12" so there's no hull to stop the ladder's swing). We get aboard from swimming, for now, by gingerly toeing the horizontal fin of the rudder and coming over the transom. That puts some weight on the rudder connection to the keel and I'm not liking that idea. Am considering some sort of light weight wood construction that will either fold or come apart for stowing, but would attach to transom or topsides. Thoughts?

[spirit]

Most marine outfitters have hoop-over-the-side type ladders, with short legs that hold the ladder out from the hull. The short legs should contact the side of your Chebacco well enough. See for example: www.westmarine.com/1/3/boat-ladder

[Hwyl]

There's a classic wooden type, I just cant find any pictures. The top part is curved to match you hull (or not if you are hard chine) the bottom folds down on strap hinges in such a way that the ends of the two ladder parts butt against each other at 180 degrees.

[davidagage]

I think Gareth is reffering to one of these

[Brian Palmer]

Here you go. The rope at the top loops over a sturdy cleat on the side deck and the curved part rests against the hull at about the waterline. Folded size is about 14 inches wide by 20 inches long. Unfolded length is about 30-36 inches. It is mostly white oak, except the wide parts that rest against the hull are pine. It came with our boat. I assume previous owner made it to his own design.

Brian

[Hwyl]

I think Gareth is reffering to one of these

I am indeed, a fine picture

[Chiron]

Absolutely beautiful. Great now I have another boat project.