George- I can't figure out what you mean by the teak step being upside. Maybe it's this: The bottom teak step needs to be 6-8" under water to make an easy first step when boarding and obviously the step is going to float, but it's not a problem to take it in your little hand and hold it down until you have your foot on it. The only time I've done this was on an M-15 that I took to Mexico, and my ex-wife went with me. At that time I was younger, still had knees, and was running 4 or 5 mi a day and was seriously racing canoes, which really gets you in shape. I could grab the top of the coaming and easily flip myself into the boat. Unfortunately I'm now old and fat so I really should make a step for my Sage. Maybe next year. A 17 owner in AZ made a rope ladder that started down from the top by about a foot, which helped reduce the tendency of moving from side to side when in use. A good idea, because this IS a minor problem, but adds the complication of the need to lash it down when not in use. I believe in simplicity, and it's simpler to drill two holes in the transom flange, feed the lines thru them and tie a knot on top to anchor. Kind of like the mainsheet traveller on the M-15. No extra hardware. It also helps to have the steps fairly close together. I probably made the steps out of 13/16" teak, about 3" wide for comfort, and they don't need to be too long; 16 or 18 inches is fine. Another thing- it's easier to step over the backstay bridle (or mainsheet) if it's off-center as much as possible. Your idea of using pvc pipe is great; probably slippery than wood, but lighter, cheaper, and no need to oil. Have fun. -----Original Message----- From: George Iemmolo Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2018 8:34 AM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Cc: bkurlancheek@gmail.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: Boarding Ladder Brad I had come across the same article in my research and thinking about it. It sure saves on the Boat Bucks'. I would probably hang it on a mid ship cleat that I have and keep it in the cockpit while sailing and then pull it overboard when the need arrives. How long did you make it all the reading I have done indicates that at least 2 rungs in the water is best. I like Jerry's idea about using a teak flat for the step. Jerry how did you assure yourself that the teak step would be upside when the ladder was deployed instead of the line? George 96 M15 #602 Merry Helen II George "We Can Not Control the Wind But We Can Adjust Our Sails" On Wed, Apr 4, 2018 at 1:59 PM, <jerry@jerrymontgomery.org> wrote:
I'VE DONE THE SAME THING, ONLY I USED TEAK RUNGS. Worked fine; hang it from the top of the transom, then throw it in the cockpit when not using it.
-----Original Message----- From: brad kurlancheek Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2018 11:58 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Boarding Ladder
If you're looking for something cheap, quick, and easy, a PVC boarding ladder will get the job done. Using the instructions here - https://www.cruisingworld.com/how/how-make-dinghy-boarding-ladder
I made one in an afternoon. If you'd like to see pictures of the construction process for mine, email me and will be happy to send them along. The whole thing folds up compactly and will easily fit within a cockpit seat locker.
Granted, this sort of ladder is no way as sturdy or easy to use as the chrome-barred type, especially as the one illustrated by the fine work done by David Grah in his post, but in a pinch, this stow-away ladder is better than nothing at all.
- Brad