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Bash · 22-10-2012, 14:18

We don't often think of a boarding ladder as safety gear until we're in the water.

Those mast steps were installed because the boat needs a boarding ladder. Unfortunately, it still needs a boarding ladder.

GaryMayo · 22-10-2012, 14:32

I see the weight shifting from side to side as one climbs. This could turn the rudder from side to side on each step?

It the rudder stays still it may well work fine. If it is moving about under foot like a swimming fish I see that as a great potential hazzard.

Would it stay still? Someone fit and youthful can climb anything, but for an average person, would this be boon or bane?

To me, I vote iffy. May work, but I would like to try it before I drilled these into my sailboat.

Travelnik · 22-10-2012, 14:33

Tony Meisel recommends that setup in his book: Singlehanding.

Maybe not those exact steps, but rudder steps.

Factor · 22-10-2012, 14:42

Agree with Gord. EWhats wrong with a fold down ladder than goes well under water and has no effect on the steering or rudder integrity

GaryMayo · 24-10-2012, 05:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Factor

Agree with Gord. EWhats wrong with a fold down ladder than goes well under water and has no effect on the steering or rudder integrity

As an artist, the nature of a central rudder on the stern and a ladder off to one side somewhat bothers me. On sailboats with a kicker on one side, and a swim ladder on the other, that gives the design more of a balanced look.

If it were purely function, a larger more stable swim ladder would be a better choice it would seem.

I just did a Google image search for rudder ladder and some airplanes have them built in. Did not expect that.