Getting in from a slipway

[Bigplumbs]

Been thinking again about the new Fletcher 19GTS and how is best to get into the boat from a slipway where there is no real pontoon. My bowrider 17 footer is easy you just climb in the front making sure you don't catch anything on a cleat

With the 19 GTS I have a very high freeboard and also the rear ladder will be quite far out and the water will be quite deep at this point.

I was wondering how others do this and whether any of you have used one of these fender ladders over the side of the boat.

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/83 ... GwodpXUBFQ

Dennis

[Ianfs]

That's a very interesting question and I've never understood why when someone builds a slipway, then doesn't build a jetty as well?
Do you think you will be on your own using her or will you have someone with you? It might sound obvious but if you launch her with someone on board, there is usually somewhere you can meet so you can just jump on.

[BruceK]

Launching a boat solo is going to end in tears sometime. Certainly when it comes to retrieval. Launching a boat with SWMBO is a high risk venture for most and a real day spoiler unless you are both as competent and willing and pretty laid back. As for no jetty, one of you is going to get wet No way round it Hopefully it's sand and gravel and not mud substrate. Get a pair of chest waders and use the boarding ladder (WITH THE ENGINES OFF!) That fender ladder is liable to get you dunked.

[Xboatboyx]

We found this problem when we moved from a bowrider to a cuddy and the simple solution was to use another slipway with a pontoon.

[Bigplumbs]

I always launch with her in doors and she is quite little but we have got the 17 foot bow rider down to a fine art.

We do use chest waders so this might be the answer.

As for finding a better slip with a pontoon their aint one I am afraid

Dennis

[BruceK]

Good man, and lucky man. BTW the reason behind the swim ladder is because it submerges so you can step up easily. The fender ladder you show will float, it's primarily used for boarding a high freeboard from a pontoon when there is no finger i.e from passerelle or swim platform access and when you have a high freeboard and short legs like my missus. (My freeboard is another 1.2m above the pontoon). I got her a ladder now, because last time I grabbed her arse and threw her over ended in tears for me. In fairness I might have been a bit to lascivious.

[betty boop]

1 - can't launch/recover without a pontoon or near by bank to get out onto- years of the other half driving taught me not to even bother trying.

2 - waders - tried these too. slightly better and good for sending the kids out as deep as they dare go BUT PLEASE be warned if its tidal an flowing like the Thames or in Gt Yarmouth then wear a life jacket with waders. Ive heard way to many people go too deep and get washed away by the flow of water without realising it.

3- ladder - Ive got a boarding ladder in the garage if you go that route, almost new in good nick- plastic with 2 hooks at the top to grab a rail & folds in 3 sections to about 3 ft long if you're interested I can let you have it.

4 - learn to swim ? just kidding

[Carl]

My local slipway goes in sideways ... so once the boat is launched .. I pull her along side the slip and get in that way.

[betty boop]

there are some weird combinations around, from those that are impossible without a 2nd driver and how the hell does the shore crew get on board after launch to launching at 45deg angle on the ramp to avoid hitting a 45 deg reenforced bank, past man eating swans to reach the pontoon (lady Bee in Shoreham), unless you're in the know you drop off the end of the ramp after 6ft as it turns 45deg under the water. Thats if you don't hit the 2nd hand m/bike shop selling on the slip ramp first.