I'm over weight & in my 70's. My stern mounted, fold down ladder has a 30 degree outward tilt that helps my body weight lean into the boat. The first stept is low enough for an easy starting step.
I noticed that drop down ladders that hang straight down require more arm strength to pull your body into the boat. AND the first stept is important for older persons to reach.
The Sling Reboarding System is simple and reliable. Transom ladders can be an issue in small boats as the sailors body weight and drag can turn the boat down wind causing a potential capsize. In calm conditions ladders are OK. Rebounding using one if there is wind is another matter.
HI Scott. The rebounding sling system likely wont work on a sailing canoe. There is a better way. I am a small boat sailor and a dedicated canoe sailor. Happy to pass the method to you if interested. I assume you carry a paddle when you sail. If so is it single or double blade?
I would love to learn the method for each paddle type. I currently use a single paddle but plan to switch to a Greenland style dbl paddle at some point.
In my experience a single blade paddle isn't a tool you can use for re-boarding, that's why I asked which type you use. A double blade paddle can be used to assist in re-boarding . You can purchase and use a paddle float. A paddle float is an inflatable sleeve that you can slip over one paddle blade while in the water and then be orally inflate. You will also need to rig a dual attachment point on both gunnels. These should be aft behind the normal seating position. This set up will then allow you to insert the other blade of the paddle across the gunnels set at 90 degrees to the centerline. You can then grasp the gunnel and the paddle blade and hoist yourself in. Reach back, remove the paddle, deflate the float and off you go.
I mean, I guess I can? I've got a little folding ladder mounted on the stern. But yeah, I'm 70. Hell; now I've got to get wet and practice climbing out. Thanks a lot.
Whether I am in a sea kayak or sailboat I always have a step or rope adder handy for re-boarding. This is one of our most important requirements for any WaterTribe Challenge. We give extra points in our practice "Derby" for various safety moves like Eskimo Rolls, Capsize and Re-Board, reefing, and so on.
This Poll is a possible life saver. You are reminding/forcing me to get out there and test (start building my coordination) my strap ladder. I also have a stern cleat to bow cleat rope, like what Roger Barnes demo'ed under his shed cover years ago. What I need to do is go out near the Cape Henlopen Fishing pier, opposite the light house where there is a huge flat beach (dry at certain low tides), and on a falling tide anchor, get out and test/learn!! If I can't get in, I swim/walk over to the beach and wait for the tide to drop a couple of feet. Thanks for the reminder!!!
Thanks. We've been thinking that some of those who says they think can reboard, probably can't. And of course what were able to do 10 years ago might be more difficult now. Good thing to consider at least.
Getting back onboard, alone, is the great leveler. It should be the minimum bench-mark for our chosen passion. Using props or gadgets is fine as long as these are well maintained and the procedure well rehearsed. Personally I just climb aboard (I'm 60). No ladder, no lines, just grab and lift. I'm happy with this, as I love the simplicity of it all, and every time I do mange to hit the gym, I have this very thing in mind.
That's how I climb aboard my Core Sound 20 after swimming. It's a very stable boat. I should practice with my Oz Goose though, it's more likely to capsize.
I just went solo sailing for the first time in my recently acquired Presto 30 and it has a externally latched back door with an attached swim ladder that would, I think, let me get in with ease BUT it sails so balanced I don't think it would stop sailing for miles even without a hand on the tiller - and certainly not with the tiller autopilot on like yesterday.
I'm 75, and have a transom ladder that is low enough to get back into the boat providing the boat isn't moving. If I fell out underway, like Christine, I doubt I'd be able to reboard alone, especially if the auto pilot or a temporary tiller control was in service. I also wear a life jacket anytime I'm outside the cabin, and do have a whistle, knife, and handheld radio attached to my live vest.
At 80, with a failing heart, this was my exact measure of when to quit any solo trips. I'm a small boat sailor. My kids took me out recently in our 14ft SUPER SATELLITE. I was mostly a passenger. But, even though I went .. I think no more. They'd have a real tough time getting me back into a r"rghted boat" if we'd capsized for instance ...
My boat is on a mooring and I normally swim out to it in the summer. Hard to see in my avatar, but there’s a folding ladder on the starboard side of the stern.
I can get back abord my 11 ft Glen L Marine Bullseye, and have done it a few times. Usually after its been swamped. Easy to dump this boat since there's only 2"+/- when really sailing. I have on a 3 mm wetsuit when its >8kt wind, and always a lifejacket. Birch Bay Washington water temp is in 50's in winter and only upper-60's in summer. Cannot stay long in the water.. You warm up fast after 5 minutes vigorous bailing that follows (sometimes precedes) the reboarding process.
I have a ladder on my Montgomery 17 (I think they all came with one) and I kayak, so I am familiar with how to self rescue. I personally think it is something everybody should know how to do. Among my circle of friends and family, I am the only sailor. If I were to fall overboard with any of them aboard, I doubt they would know what to do in such an emergency.
There's a step on the bottom of the float on my current proa that doubles as a vortex fin, and I can reboard but it's getting harder as I age.
Some years ago while in an extended bout of insanity I geared up to do the Texas 200 in a 14' open canoe I was surprised at how hard it was to reboard the canoe, rolling over the gunnel. Many years previously in my 40's I could reboard a canoe Roy Rogers (or was it Hopalong Cassidy?) style levering up over the transom; those days are truly gone forever but not yet forgotten.
I'm over weight & in my 70's. My stern mounted, fold down ladder has a 30 degree outward tilt that helps my body weight lean into the boat. The first stept is low enough for an easy starting step.
I noticed that drop down ladders that hang straight down require more arm strength to pull your body into the boat. AND the first stept is important for older persons to reach.
Practice it regularly.
The Sling Reboarding System is simple and reliable. Transom ladders can be an issue in small boats as the sailors body weight and drag can turn the boat down wind causing a potential capsize. In calm conditions ladders are OK. Rebounding using one if there is wind is another matter.
What is a Sling Reboarding System? I am looking for a compact, non rigid means to reboard a sailing canoe going over the gunnel.
HI Scott. The rebounding sling system likely wont work on a sailing canoe. There is a better way. I am a small boat sailor and a dedicated canoe sailor. Happy to pass the method to you if interested. I assume you carry a paddle when you sail. If so is it single or double blade?
I would love to learn the method for each paddle type. I currently use a single paddle but plan to switch to a Greenland style dbl paddle at some point.
Hi Scott
In my experience a single blade paddle isn't a tool you can use for re-boarding, that's why I asked which type you use. A double blade paddle can be used to assist in re-boarding . You can purchase and use a paddle float. A paddle float is an inflatable sleeve that you can slip over one paddle blade while in the water and then be orally inflate. You will also need to rig a dual attachment point on both gunnels. These should be aft behind the normal seating position. This set up will then allow you to insert the other blade of the paddle across the gunnels set at 90 degrees to the centerline. You can then grasp the gunnel and the paddle blade and hoist yourself in. Reach back, remove the paddle, deflate the float and off you go.
Hi Howard. That is a great method as is the the sling method for a boat with more stability. I appreciate both excellent tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv6ia0gU5Js
Thanks for posting the link. Great idea.
Welcome Scott.
Now to go test my stuff but, add the leg spreading technique!
Thanks Howard!
I mean, I guess I can? I've got a little folding ladder mounted on the stern. But yeah, I'm 70. Hell; now I've got to get wet and practice climbing out. Thanks a lot.
Whether I am in a sea kayak or sailboat I always have a step or rope adder handy for re-boarding. This is one of our most important requirements for any WaterTribe Challenge. We give extra points in our practice "Derby" for various safety moves like Eskimo Rolls, Capsize and Re-Board, reefing, and so on.
This Poll is a possible life saver. You are reminding/forcing me to get out there and test (start building my coordination) my strap ladder. I also have a stern cleat to bow cleat rope, like what Roger Barnes demo'ed under his shed cover years ago. What I need to do is go out near the Cape Henlopen Fishing pier, opposite the light house where there is a huge flat beach (dry at certain low tides), and on a falling tide anchor, get out and test/learn!! If I can't get in, I swim/walk over to the beach and wait for the tide to drop a couple of feet. Thanks for the reminder!!!
Thanks. We've been thinking that some of those who says they think can reboard, probably can't. And of course what were able to do 10 years ago might be more difficult now. Good thing to consider at least.
Getting back onboard, alone, is the great leveler. It should be the minimum bench-mark for our chosen passion. Using props or gadgets is fine as long as these are well maintained and the procedure well rehearsed. Personally I just climb aboard (I'm 60). No ladder, no lines, just grab and lift. I'm happy with this, as I love the simplicity of it all, and every time I do mange to hit the gym, I have this very thing in mind.
That's how I climb aboard my Core Sound 20 after swimming. It's a very stable boat. I should practice with my Oz Goose though, it's more likely to capsize.
I just went solo sailing for the first time in my recently acquired Presto 30 and it has a externally latched back door with an attached swim ladder that would, I think, let me get in with ease BUT it sails so balanced I don't think it would stop sailing for miles even without a hand on the tiller - and certainly not with the tiller autopilot on like yesterday.
I'm 75, and have a transom ladder that is low enough to get back into the boat providing the boat isn't moving. If I fell out underway, like Christine, I doubt I'd be able to reboard alone, especially if the auto pilot or a temporary tiller control was in service. I also wear a life jacket anytime I'm outside the cabin, and do have a whistle, knife, and handheld radio attached to my live vest.
At 80, with a failing heart, this was my exact measure of when to quit any solo trips. I'm a small boat sailor. My kids took me out recently in our 14ft SUPER SATELLITE. I was mostly a passenger. But, even though I went .. I think no more. They'd have a real tough time getting me back into a r"rghted boat" if we'd capsized for instance ...
My boat is on a mooring and I normally swim out to it in the summer. Hard to see in my avatar, but there’s a folding ladder on the starboard side of the stern.
Any best practices climbing aboard a CLC Northeaster dory? How about when a bulky life jacket gets in the way?
I can get back abord my 11 ft Glen L Marine Bullseye, and have done it a few times. Usually after its been swamped. Easy to dump this boat since there's only 2"+/- when really sailing. I have on a 3 mm wetsuit when its >8kt wind, and always a lifejacket. Birch Bay Washington water temp is in 50's in winter and only upper-60's in summer. Cannot stay long in the water.. You warm up fast after 5 minutes vigorous bailing that follows (sometimes precedes) the reboarding process.
I have a ladder on my Montgomery 17 (I think they all came with one) and I kayak, so I am familiar with how to self rescue. I personally think it is something everybody should know how to do. Among my circle of friends and family, I am the only sailor. If I were to fall overboard with any of them aboard, I doubt they would know what to do in such an emergency.
There's a step on the bottom of the float on my current proa that doubles as a vortex fin, and I can reboard but it's getting harder as I age.
Some years ago while in an extended bout of insanity I geared up to do the Texas 200 in a 14' open canoe I was surprised at how hard it was to reboard the canoe, rolling over the gunnel. Many years previously in my 40's I could reboard a canoe Roy Rogers (or was it Hopalong Cassidy?) style levering up over the transom; those days are truly gone forever but not yet forgotten.
I clicked on not sure. I have a boarding but have never used it in conditions where I might fall off the boat. Works great in a flat calm anchorage.