Ladders

MtStPipier · 28 February 2008, 19:01

BoatUS had a review this month of boarding ladders. They tested 11 ladders on a small RIB, a Whaler and a Jon boat. Of the specific RIB ladders, they hated the Garelick Inflatable Boat Ladder and loved the Plastimo Folding Inflatable Ladder. They also liked the C-Level Sea Steps (rope and webbing) for all three types of boats.

I'm thinking off ordering the Plastimo one, but wondered if anyone had any opinions on these. It's S-shaped, has 2 rungs, aluminum with a bit of rope, and costs $50 here (32 GBP in the UK).

Piper

oracle · 01 March 2008, 10:01

I use the Plastimo for getting divers back into my Ribtec (without the heavy gear it's not THAT strong). The guys manage well with it and it's lasted a season so far with no problems.

I use 2 webbing straps on Tuftex snap connectors rather than the single rope to try and give it a bit more stability when first climbing on and to make it easier and quicker to fasten on but other than that it's been great for the price.

codprawn · 01 March 2008, 12:26

Did they test any fenders with built in steps? They do them with 2 and 3 rungs.

Nick Hearne · 01 March 2008, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Did they test any fenders with built in steps? They do them with 2 and 3 rungs.

I would not want to use one of these fender ones to get out of the water as you would have to get it under water to use!

I have the smaller one of these I used on my rib & it was good for getting out of the water when swimming!
http://www.compass24.com/watersports...l?ARTNR=117541

oracle · 02 March 2008, 15:19

The longer one looks quite interesting with that extra bit of length I might have to give one of those a go the single rung is a little short on occassions. Are they pretty strong?

paul holder · 02 March 2008, 15:59

both myself & my wife dive .after many years & many different idears now have a 6 rung stainless ladder folding in the middle this gives 3 rungs under water .you allso nead a hand hold for when you are above the transom.ihave a scewed pole fixed to the deck

Nick Hearne · 03 March 2008, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by oracle

The longer one looks quite interesting with that extra bit of length I might have to give one of those a go the single rung is a little short on occassions. Are they pretty strong?

I would not use these to get divers out of the water as I do not think they are that Strong!