Ladder to get from dock to/from boat???

[richg99]

In my old age, I've found that one of the challenges to boating is simple enough.

Often when the tide is out or dropping, the distance from the deck of my 17 ft tinny to the flat portion of the dock can be 2 or 3 feet. I am referring to fixed public docks, not to a dock that I might own.

Even at 6'1 with long legs, either climbing OUT of the boat to the dock or getting back INTO the boat after positioning the trailer, can be a real PIA.

Just wondered if others share that dilemma and if you've found a solution.

richg99

 

[Johnny]

start looking for a floating dock on your lakes.
we aren't getting any younger and you sure don't need
to go through another knee replacement !!
if the floating dock is not an option, I would probably look for
a helper and obtain permission to build a fixed ladder on the side of the dock.
or - ask the dock owner to contribute to the cause.



.

 

[Stumpalump]

I have to force myself to work out and use my agility constantly the older I get. In Florida last week I was the only person to walk out to the end of the rock jetties barefoot just because I thought it would be good for my balance. At first it seemed dumb but by the time I got back I scampered like a kid. Today will be light free weights. Yuck. Our lakes out west rise and fall dramatically so our docks float. I find lost ladders and anchors constantly as the water drops. I found this one on Powell and used it the rest of the trip. You may need a milk create or a steep stool to climb up. Camping World has a nice assortment of them that are very well made and fold compactly.

 

[richg99]

I am sorry. I didn't make it clear that the docks that I am referring to are not mine. They are public docks.

Those docks are, in most cases, fixed, so tides can leave your boat four feet below the dock level, or somewhere up and close.

I find it interesting that, so far and one two fishing sites, that I seem to be the only one who uses fixed public docks and has this problem????

 

[-CN-]

I am sorry. I didn't make it clear that the docks that I am referring to are not mine. They are public docks.

Those docks are, in most cases, fixed, so tides can leave your boat four feet below the dock level, or somewhere up and close.

I find it interesting that, so far and one two fishing sites, that I seem to be the only one who uses fixed public docks and has this problem????

I use fixed public docks all the time, but I'm nimble yet and don't have the problem jumping up onto or down off of them.

It'll be one more thing to carry in the boat, but I think a wooden box that makes one or two "steps" could be constructed and you put that on your boat deck when you pull up to the dock, and then use the dock post as kind of a railing while you walk up to the top step of the box and step off of it.

 

[Shaugh]

these bow to beach ladders are not cheap.. but do fold up nice and small... bet they would work...

https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Products-Beach-Pontoon-Ladder/dp/B00J2G1LME



https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1440&bih=763&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=KTECWsiVJaHNjwSv_L7YBQ&q=bow+to+beach+ladder&oq=bow+to+beach+ladder&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0j0i24k1l2.88079.93128.0.93322.35.23.0.0.0.0.319.3084.0j10j2j3.16.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..19.15.3073.0..0i8i30k1j0i67k1j0i10i24k1.265.u36Y-L0gqzk

 

[LDUBS]

Rich, for the exact same reason I was looking at a boarding handle like the one pictured below (West Marine). This one slides into a flush mount rod holder which my gunnel won't accommodate. Plus, I would have to haul it around with me. So, here is where my thinking is leading me. I have telescoping boat hook that collapses down to about 40”. I’m thinking I can attach a short piece of aluminum pipe to the side of my seat box that would act as a sleeve that I could slide the handle of the boat hook into. Then PRESTO, my boat hook doubles as a vertical post to use as a grab handle.

 

[Stumpalump]

This great movie clip from "Jaws" comes to mind. Your going to need a bigger boat.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2I91DJZKRxs

 

[richg99]

Thanks, I needed that.

For my problem, I think I may have an answer, or, at least, a possible solution.

My boat is out getting a new impeller and water pump so I can't do any measuring for a day or two.

 

[Stumpalump]

Rich, for the exact same reason I was looking at a boarding handle like the one pictured below (West Marine). This one slides into a flush mount rod holder which my gunnel won't accommodate. Plus, I would have to haul it around with me. So, here is where my thinking is leading me. I have telescoping boat hook that collapses down to about 40”. I’m thinking I can attach a short piece of aluminum pipe to the side of my seat box that would act as a sleeve that I could slide the handle of the boat hook into. Then PRESTO, my boat hook doubles as a vertical post to use as a grab handle.

I like that. I was thinking a gunnel mounted T-top or my boat has side rails that I use all of the time for all sorts of things. Maybe you could find some scap or used. https://www.specialtymarine.com/SIDE-RAILS-CLASSIC-16-17-BOSTON-WHALER-OEM-STYLE-1977-p660.html

 

[Shaugh]

I found one... I guess you aren't the only guy with this problem... cheap too...

https://www.amazon.com/TMS-Stainless-Telescoping-Boarding-Platform/dp/B00A0SDXBK

 

[LDUBS]

Thanks, I needed that.

For my problem, I think I may have an answer, or, at least, a possible solution.

My boat is out getting a new impeller and water pump so I can't do any measuring for a day or two.

Looks like my issue is a little different. Everywhere I go has floating docks. I'm just looking for something to grab hold of to help my balance when I step into or out of the boat from the dock.

Nonetheless, there are some good ideas here and I hope you will come back and share the potential solution you mention.

 

[richg99]

Well, I haven't been able to actually try this idea out yet. I attached 2 pictures.

It is nothing more than a pedestal riser, capped with a step, screwed into an existing floor flange.

I used a short seat riser; added a seat pedestal, and screwed it into my base. On the seat pedestal, I screwed a 7x7 piece of 2x8 inch lumber. On top of the lumber, I added a stick-on non-skid pad from Harbor freight.

This package from Amazon has everything I used except that the seat flange didn't have the spring that they show.

https://smile.amazon.com/Springfield-1615433-3-Piece-Pedestal-Package/dp/B00QJ7XQGS/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1510541055&sr=8-47&keywords=boat+seat+base

It will be a few days until I get to try it out. And, the flange that is on my boat is on the port side. if the dock that I use is on the Starboard, then I'll have to wait until I find another dock.

I will report back as to how it works. Obviously, if the step is too high, I can cut the riser down. If I need it higher (doubtful) then I would be a longer riser.

As far as a "pole" used to hold on to, I don't see any reason why an existing seat flange couldn't be utilized to support a tall pole, which would be screwed in just before disembarking.

Much of the effectiveness of these ideas will be skewed dependant on the distance the floor flange is from the gunnel. Mine is 21 inches. That may be too much, but I won't know until I give it a real-life test.

richg99

p.s. Sorry for the crappy pictures. I'll get better ones tomorrow. I must have put my thumb on the lens before shooting.

 

[richg99]

Here is a better picture of my latest device. I hope to give it a try in the next day or two.

 

[WALI4VR]

I found one... I guess you aren't the only guy with this problem... cheap too...

https://www.amazon.com/TMS-Stainless-Telescoping-Boarding-Platform/dp/B00A0SDXBK

How many pounds is it rated for?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[DaleH]

We used to keep a short 5' step ladder aboard the boat for such docks, but honestly s#$ks to have to do that.

We tried locking it to the docks, but the thiefs were schmarter and had BIG bolt cutters ...

 

[Shaugh]

found this... appears to be the same Chinese design.. 300 kg.... it's got very high ratings and people seem to like it...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q5XD1K/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B072Q5XD1K&pd_rd_wg=IdCxM&pd_rd_r=2Z28VEJQCZ1WBFA9Q121&pd_rd_w=IERCC


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0097L6KMK/ref=asc_df_B0097L6KMK5263718/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B0097L6KMK&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198064588001&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6900687043930670648&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013132&hvtargid=pla-378696827446