Small-Boat Ladders

Various approaches considered

Article by Paul Esterle from his book Optimizing the Trailerable Sailboat

Judging from the volume of mail on some of the small-boat forums, boarding ladders are a concern for many. And rightly so, as boarding a small boat from the water can be a daunting, and sometimes impossible, task. All too often, a ladder is purchased and stowed aboard and never used until a real need arises. Then, when needed most, the ladder proves less than effective.

I would ask every one of you with an unused ladder aboard to try it out on the next warm day. You may well be surprised by how hard some of them are to use and the degree of difficulty you experience in getting back aboard.