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BandB · 26-05-2014, 11:25

You might look at folding wheel chair ramps as a possible solution depending on how steep the incline and how much space to extend it. Go to a site like 1800wheelchair.com and you'll see the various types available. They could be used much like a passarelle might be, just have to be put into place each time. But some are very light and fold small.

Magnawake · 26-05-2014, 11:29

GG, I know your pain. I had my Marquipt ladder damaged two times at the dock in the last 3 yrs and had to take it to a welder for repair. Yes, they are very expensive. BTW, welcome to boating and the insane price of marine stuff. If you are patient, you can find one on a "for sale" or "wanted" listing on the Hatteras owners forum. I've seen them before. I was thinking about buying a new one myself, but it had one too many steps. It might have fit your vessel. I even saw one in a consignment shop here in Florida, but it looked really worn. With the size of your boat, I cant imagine not having a rolling Marquipt ladder. It makes things really easy to board (carrying groceries, etc.) It dosnt work that well for fixed docks though. We havent used ours since last Sept.

GalaxyGirl · 26-05-2014, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Ah...just the first of many.

Welcome to the club.

I was waiting for this comment

I must say though, that I haven't been too surprised yet by pricing.

My only 2 surprises on price so far have been these boarding stairs, which are ridiculously overpriced. You can get an aluminum 40' ladder at Home Depot for a few hundred bucks. So why are these so much?

And...life raft. They are about 5-6 grand for a 12-15 person. Seems a bit much.

So far though, other than those 2 items it hasn't been bad. I have actually been surprised on a few occasions that prices were less than expected. Maybe because the breaking out another thousand thing has been beat into my head

Stu Jackson · 26-05-2014, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalaxyGirl

I was waiting for this comment

...

So far though, other than those 2 items it hasn't been bad. I have actually been surprised on a few occasions that prices were less than expected. Maybe because the breaking out another thousand thing has been beat into my head

Good thing we didn't keep you waiting too long!

One idea: my favorite boating store is ACE Hardware. Many of them have as good if not better stainless fastener connections than any marine store. Plus all sorts of cleaning and maintenance material.

Have fun.

BTW, what is it particularly with the four year old with the ladder? Have your older kids figured out that they could teach the younger one, maybe better than you?

The answer to your price ?: low volume, high cost material, specific essentially one off designs. Supply & demand.

GalaxyGirl · 26-05-2014, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnawake

GG, I know your pain. I had my Marquipt ladder damaged two times at the dock in the last 3 yrs and had to take it to a welder for repair. Yes, they are very expensive. BTW, welcome to boating and the insane price of marine stuff. If you are patient, you can find one on a "for sale" or "wanted" listing on the Hatteras owners forum. I've seen them before. I was thinking about buying a new one myself, but it had one too many steps. It might have fit your vessel. I even saw one in a consignment shop here in Florida, but it looked really worn. With the size of your boat, I cant imagine not having a rolling Marquipt ladder. It makes things really easy to board (carrying groceries, etc.) It dosnt work that well for fixed docks though. We havent used ours since last Sept.

Good idea about checking HOF.

I did check ebay with no luck.

I think I may see if I can have my carpenter whip something up. A ramp in the least, but I will have to be careful about keeping it lightweight.

Only problem is that he is Boston and the boat isn't

GalaxyGirl · 26-05-2014, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by BandB

You might look at folding wheel chair ramps as a possible solution depending on how steep the incline and how much space to extend it. Go to a site like 1800wheelchair.com and you'll see the various types available. They could be used much like a passarelle might be, just have to be put into place each time. But some are very light and fold small.

That's not a bad idea. I'll check that too. I would actually prefer to have something portable so I can take it on and off as we venture north.

Nicholson58 · 26-05-2014, 11:49

If this is something that is left on the dock, maybe you could make one from treated stringers & Plywood. If its kids, they will outgrow it in a couple years.

My grandmother used to say (ref to my older brother), " easier to have another one than to clean him off"

I was going to suggest WOLF'S in Benton Harbor but they only show swim ladders. http://www.wolfsmarine.com/Ladders-C484.aspx

GalaxyGirl · 26-05-2014, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

If this is something that is left on the dock, maybe you could make one from treated stringers & Plywood. If its kids, they will outgrow it in a couple years.

My grandmother used to say (ref to my older brother), " easier to have another one than to clean him off"

I was going to suggest WOLF'S in Benton Harbor but they only show swim ladders. Ladders

That was a great suggestion. Thanks. This isn't exactly what I wanted, but it is better than what is there now. But, I can't figure out how it attaches and what happens as the boat moves at the dock with the tide and sway? Can anyone enlighten me?

JIF Marine ASH 5-Step Angled Dock Ladder

hellosailor · 26-05-2014, 12:51

Kidde KL-2S Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder with Anti-Slip Rungs, 13-Foot - Emergency Ladders - Amazon.com

<img>Kidde KL-2S Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder with Anti-Slip Rungs, 13-Foot - Emergency Ladders - Amazon.com </img>

Or you can buy one of these "son of the rope ladder" ladders, cut off then last eight or ten feet (this one is 13' long) and just hang it over the side as needed.

GalaxyGirl · 26-05-2014, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Kidde KL-2S Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder with Anti-Slip Rungs, 13-Foot - Emergency Ladders - Amazon.com

<img>Kidde KL-2S Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder with Anti-Slip Rungs, 13-Foot - Emergency Ladders - Amazon.com </img>

Or you can buy one of these "son of the rope ladder" ladders, cut off then last eight or ten feet (this one is 13' long) and just hang it over the side as needed.

I like this idea as a swim ladder. And it folds up nice.

Aussiesuede · 26-05-2014, 13:25

Bow to Beach Ladder FREE SHIPPING for Boats Pontoons Crusiers

tomfl · 26-05-2014, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalaxyGirl

I like this idea as a swim ladder. And it folds up nice.

You need to read the fine print at the Amazon reviews

"I didn't read the fine print until we got the box - this ladder can only be used once, which means no practice in how to use it or using it in a fire drill. How are you supposed to be ready for an emergency if you can't practice first?"

Not sure just what that means but does not sound like this thing is made for long term regular use.

chrisjs · 26-05-2014, 14:52

Your needs are obviously different if intended for use while cruising but at our marina, people typically construct a "staircase" from 2x6 lumber and ply and secure it with lag bolts to their dock. Much more stable/safe for routine use and inexpensive if you know someone proficient with a saw and screwdriver. Of course some marinas may not allow such constructions, and it does not help if you need to disembark at a "foreign" dock. BTW how do you plan to get the family off the boat and into a dinghy or liferaft, or heaven forbid retrieve somebody from overboard, with such a high freeboard? I am not being facetious, these are real questions?