Boarding Ladder: I built one years ago with rope and PVC and it was difficult to use. The rungs of PVC were slippery, and would spin. Putting a foot on the lower rung caused it to go under the boat and to be of little use to get lift. A better design would be good! I loved the stainless ladders we finally installed--very secure. Last Fall I got a Monty 12-- I've not gotten it in the water yet (still ice floating....) and have nothing for re-entry on this boat. We will sail in the bigger water on our son's Bristol 26, but the Monty 12 probably needs a means of re-entry, too. Hmmm.... Burt On Fri, Apr 6, 2018 at 9:22 AM, Jon Barber <brbrbarber@gmail.com> wrote:
My boarding ladder consists of 2 lengths of stout Iine and a board with holes drilled in each end. The lines are knotted and passed thru the holes on one end, and then passed thru the holes in the aluminum extrusion that runs around the edge of the deck. I deploy it at the aft corner of the cockpit. I can reach up and grab it from the water. The board floats and you have to push it down and insert your foot between the board and hull. It can be removed easily, requires no drilling. The backstay interferes with using a transom mounted ladder on a M17. No Cost? Nothing. Boarding ladder and motor mount hanging off the back of that lovely transom? I don't think so. Whatever boarding device you decide on be sure to practice with it repeatedly, especially when tired. You may need to get back aboard was someday when your life depends on it. It can be seen in this photo in the stowed position.