How Safe Is Your Gangway ?

[boatman61]

Back in my 'Med' days in the 90's, we pulled into Fuengirola on a newly acquired Carter 30.
I'd scored a job with a beach concession where I was working as water ski boatman/instructor, jet bike instructor/safety boat, jack of all.
We soon made quite a few friends amongst locals and other cruisers as a result.. One night a few of us headed back to the boat after a fun nite out for late nite nibbles and a couple more...
The boat was moored Med style with the gangway leading onto the bow... it wasn't that wide, maybe 16" max, but... it had come with the boat and had been great for us.
A couple of our new found friends were a bit nervous about crossing over... was it strong enough... ?
"Off course it is" sez I.. "Watch this..." with that I went to the middle and started bouncing up and down on it... "I'm 80kg and if it'll stand this you guys are fine to just walk across.."
I'd just finished saying this when there was a loud crack as it gave way in the middle and I disappeared from their view as I plunged down 5ft into the water...
In those days Fuengirola had no safety ladders for MOB's... nor was there one on our stern... its damned hard work climbing back on board with no ladder... even harder after a few drinks and totally embarrased...
Needless to say... that story made the rounds pretty fast..... and is doubtlessly still amusing folks all over at 'Sundowner Time'....

[boatman61]

Forgot to mention.... got a bloody nose and an egg on the back of my head when it smacked me as it folded....
Served me right for being a 'Cocky Sod'......

[hummingway]

Tears in my eyes ... thanks!

[sailorboy1]

Sounds like you got off pretty easy for the lesson. Bet now that you are older and know it takes longer to heal that you think something like this out a little more before doing it!

[shadow]

LOL!!! That's classic!! Getting smacked by the very board while falling! Classic insult to injury!! Man, I gotta meet you boatman61!! You and I can trade tons of stories!!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

Sounds like you got off pretty easy for the lesson. Bet now that you are older and know it takes longer to heal that you think something like this out a little more before doing it!

Don... that's the advantage of alzheimer's...
or was it the bang on the head.. ....
head's... ?? second door on the right mate....
What did you say...???
inna the drink.. ??
I'll have a Havana Club with twist please....


But seriously Don... I'm a creature of impulse... can't help it...as long as it puts only me at risk...
I cannot change what I am...

[Southern Star]

Great story and a lesson to all - thanks!!!

Brad

[Adax]

Boatman ,great story . I will be thinking about it ,when I cross a gangway next ...

[David M]

Very funny story...almost sounds like a Roadrunner cartoon. You just did not have a canyon to fall down into.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by David M

Very funny story...almost sounds like a Roadrunner cartoon. You just did not have a canyon to fall down into.

LOL.... at the time the sheer shock made it feel like one thats for sure.....