Boarding ladder question

absolutlely correct!

I've used that method many times myself. Different situations, different methods. Whatever works.

I like current too, except when it pushes off the dock, the boat doesn't have enough power to overcome it and I'm the deckhand lugging the lines and fenders back and forth.

Is MarQuipt still in business? 2 years ago I sent them an email looking for replacement wheels for our sea-step and never got a reply. I ended up buying the wheels from another company, and these are not a cheap item. I believe 4 wheels were about $300. We did manage to get a davit purchased through a marina, but that took months because it seems they build only after an order is placed. The other day I called them to inquire about purchasing a boarding ladder, but nobody answered their phone. So I sent an email, but they again haven't responded. Do they only sell wholesale? If so it would be polite if they responded with the name of a dealer. Or are they out of business? Does anybody know of another boarding ladder company that builds a quality product?

They are most likely busy setting up for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, perhaps you've heard of it (just messing with you). But, yes they're still in business. Are you sure you have the correct phone number?

Sailorman in Fort Lauderdale always has several used ones. You could try giving them a call. Marquipt has a new carbon fiber line that is much lighter.

Some kid has one for sale on Craigs list pretty cheaply in Charlevoix. (j/k)

Thanks Cap. Don't know why I didn't think of Sailorman. Customer service is leaving most business models today, because it requires hiring a human. Even with FLIBS someone should be answering your phones and it takes 30 seconds to pop out an email. In fact showing your product at FLIBS doesn't even pay off if you don't contact those ready to buy.

Anything here fit the bill?

http://sailorman.com/used-boarding-ladders-ramps/

Not on that list, but I have an email out to them. We're looking for the 4 step. But we have all winter. Thanks.

Well the advice here about safety... staying on the boat or getting on the boat with the lines still attached is good. Motors off should be the completion of that... event then you can get injured.

You can get seriously injured in docking and casting off operations.

I have had two accidents in my younger days. As one gets older sense usually kicks in. In one of the accidents I broke my arm... or should I say "got it broke"... reaching between boat and pier while the boat was being maneuvered.... as my grandfather said... "well that will smarten you up pretty quick." A few years later I have seen a foot basically amputated / crushed beyond recovery (not mine... thank heavens) and that was partly my fault.

Some smartened up advices starting with those already given:
DO NOT DO
Jump on or off the boat>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Step one foot at a time... using a hand hold if possible

Board or de-Board an unsecured boat>>>>>>>>>>> Wait until the boat is secured and all maneuvering is done

Stick any body part between the boat and pier>>>>>>Forget it.... or carefully use a boat hook.
.
IF you do use a boat hook>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ONLY AFTER BOAT IS SECURED, all maneuvering is done

Think the helmsman or anyone else can see you>>>>>ASSUME YOU ARE INVISIBLE

If you have any question or unsureness>>>>>>>>>>>Don't do whatever you are insecure about or encourage . someone else that is insecure or inexperienced.


Why.... The helmsman has many concerns drawing his attention... and so does everybody else. You get yourself tripped up or caught or in some trouble he may not be able to see you... YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF.

All those things also need to be followed when moving on and off of a tender or dinghy. There may be more injuries boarding to and from them than to and from the dock and the main boat. We follow a pattern. Tender pulled and tied firmly to the platform, both front and rear cleats. Then and only then do you move between the two. No just pulling the bow close and getting on. Now just holding it by one line and getting on. They move and bounce. At least your boat is somewhat steady but most tenders are not.