Getting from land to my boat

[macbeth]

I'd like to use a marina. However it has no docks. Boats tie up "bow on" to the harbour wall and then use tie off stern lines to a buoy at the stern.

My #1 problem is how to get to and from the harbour wall to the boat by "clambering" over the bowsprit. Owners make their own steps. See pictures. The first time I did this I nearly fell in the water, the second nearly did the splits, etc. Anyone got any suggestions to make this easier ? Imagine standing on that top step ! Water level varies as the season passes, usually getting lower as time passes.

<This is what I get when I follow the directions in the Utube lesson. Obviously some thing wrong ! So here is the URL.


muggins3's Library | Photobucket

[StuM]

Google "boat passarelle" for ideas.

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by macbeth

I'd like to use a marina. However it has no docks. Boats tie up "bow on" to the harbour wall and then use tie off stern lines to a buoy at the stern.

My #1 problem is how to get to and from the harbour wall to the boat by "clambering" over the bowsprit.

Any reason why you don't go in stern first? (aka The Med-moor)

[rassabossa]

Try googling "RV bunk ladder". They also make folding bow ladders if you want to go the expensive route. I have used half of a small extension ladder before. As long as you attach it securely, it's reasonably safe.

[barnakiel]

JUMP OF FAITH ?

;-)
b.

[dlymn]

I've seen a couple of boats that have a bar bolted across the bow that sticks out one side. They then attach a short ladder which allows them to move from bow to quay with grace and decorum.

[valhalla360]

It's called med mooring. You need some sort of gang plank/passerelle. It can be a fancy aluminum down to a wide plank

[MarkJ]

Tie a line between the two bow dock cleats. Use low streach line and make sure its tight. In the middle run another line, as thick as you have, from the dock line onto the bow cleat of your boat. You could have two lines, one onto each bow cleat.

When you stand on the thick line the boat will come in a bit, reducing the gap and you can step off.

BTW if you stand on the line for too long you will get that sinking feeling, so adjust the stern lines appropriately.


Mark.

[Mithril Bham]

Whenever I have used a Med tie it is stern in. There must be some reason this isn't used here but I have no idea why not (maybe depth of sea wall). Stern in makes much more sense. Then you can use a plank with life lines mounted on posts. Very common.

[Cool Runnings]

If you try stern to (med) tie be sure your rudder will not hit. Otherwise, it is a great solution.

[Scaramanga F25]

I got sciatica at SYC from doing this over the bow rail clamber.

The solution is to get a walk through bow rail. i.e. open at the front and a lifeline gate with a pelican hook ( in lieu of stainless tube ).

[lesterbutch]

Id find a civilized marina,(one with docks).

[valhalla360]

My understanding is Med Mooring does not imply stern or bow in. It implies no finger docks or pilings to tie off to.

You tie one end to the main pier and the other to an anchor in the channel. Sometimes the anchor will be preset with the line running to the main pier to make it easier.

Stern too may be easier but if you have davits and a dingy sticking off the back...not so much.

[geoffr]

Yes the steps at BYC are good when the water is high, but not when low. What can work is a long 2x6 board with two lines tided on one end. Tie off the lines to the cleats on the each side of the bow. (this worked well on our Mirage which didn't have an anchor right on the bow).

If the slope of the board is too steep in the spring or late fall you can add some 1x1's across to stop your feet from slipping.

I have seen others use this "ramp" at the top of the stairs you've shown in the photo.

A second option is to get a ramp built which floats at the side of your boat - I know there were one or two built for the big boats...

[sammyo]

Not sure how you get off but take a halyard and tie it to the stairs and to get on climb to the top of the stairs, grab the line and do a grand Errol Flynn swing across to the deck!