I came across something ya'll might be interested in. It's a very simple solution to boarding a small boat from the water without using a ladder. The product is called Happy's Swim Stirrup. Basically looks like a plastic saddle stirrup that ties off to a cleat. Takes up very little room to store. Found it at West Marine. Jesse M 15 #343 Carolyn J
Jesse, Seen the stirrup but it doesn't provide the standoff from the hull just as a rope boarding ladder does not. I have a single step that swings down from the stern at water level and although it is rigid, it is very hard to haul myself up when my foot is in the step at almost chest level. During our mini-rendezvous at Key West we sailed out to Sand Key to snorkel. The water was so rough I almost didn't get back on board. Tried the rope ladder but that was no help. Finally let the wave action aided by a foot in the step lift me to a point where I was able to get a decent grasp on the transom and pull myself aboard. Trying to climb aboard from the water using the stirrup will be very difficult - your feet will swing under the hull as soon as you put any weight on it. The only reliable solution is to get something that gives you about two rungs under the water while giving you leverage against the side of the hull. Stan M-15, #177. Carol II
What is the width of the boom on the older M17? I guess I might ask "diameter", but can't remember whether the boom is completely round (don't have access to the boat at this time). Thanks! --Craig, chonshell@ia4u.net
participants (3)
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Honshells -
Jesse Tate -
Stanley Winarski