Looking for easy Mac boarding in campground

[tp56ihs]

Hi Folks,
I plan on using my Mac 26x for land camping and need some ideas for EASILY getting on/off the boat on land. Cant wait to see what y'all come up with

Thanks,
Tom
Wind Wager

[kmclemore]

What's the matter with the stock ladder? I use it all the time on land.

[tp56ihs]

My 1996 x never had one. I added a Armstrong dive ladder but it seems like a lot of pressure on the glass when used on dry land. I did use a 5" by 9" epoxied wood backing plate when I mounted it.

[Captain Jim]

5 foot stepladder.

Cap. Jim

[K9Kampers]

Used at home and at launch sites, stores easily in truck...

[ULLR]

I usually just use the swim ladder at the rear when it is on the trailer or if I am in and out lots I put a 2' stepladder with 3 steps and slide it in between the motor and the right rudder. Having an M and limited space to squeeze through at the transom I also lower the motor and the rudder on the left side to make more space. One of those plastic step stools you can get to use around the house would probably work as well. On the dock I have a portable boarding ladder that I bought and modified to hang over the side for easier access, it's a big step up to the side of the boat.

[Bilgemaster]

My X's original stern ladder, mounted between the motor and the port rudder on the transom got a bit bent up somehow, so her PO removed it and mounted a slightly longer one to port of the rudder. I'm not sure what make it is, or where he got it, but it's hardly an exotic bit of equipment. This seems a fairly ideal position for it, since I don't need to squeeze my fat ass and whatever else I may be carrying (OK, so it's a 12 pack of Yuengling lager) between that port rudder and the engine, and with a little plank of some found wood on the ground underneath the bottom of the ladder, it forms a genteel incline, like stairs. In fact, unlike the original ladder, it has some little plastic flats atop its rungs. Also, that port stern rail makes for a handy firm hand hold. I just have to step over the rudder uphaul line, but this is second nature now. Here's how she looks:

[Sea Wind]

We have a ladder like bilgemaster's but it is not convenient for the kids to use from land (or pretty much anytime the rudders are up), so I usually go up on that ladder and store the stepladder in the cockpit for the rest of the family to come aboard. We have stayed in a lot of RV campgrounds and it is always funny to see how people react when they realize that they are parked next to a sailboat.

[BOAT]

At home when the boat is parked in it's driveway along the side of the house I have a 4 foot fiberglass ladder that fits right between the rudder and the motor. It's really easy to get in and out using that ladder. Because it's fiberglass it's light, and I guess you could throw it into the cockpit when your on the road but it's not as convenient as the factory boarding ladder when traveling in campgrounds and launch ramps.

The factory ladder is great for traveling because it stows out of the way so well. It's a great ladder - most trailer sail boat owners are climbing into their boats by stepping on the trailer fenders - that's really inconvenient especially for the women folk.

[Tomfoolery]

The factory ladder is great for traveling because it stows out of the way so well.

Mine is OK, though narrow. But it really needs one more step. It's very hard to get a foot into that bottom rung when in the water, as it's way too high up. My kids can manage it, but I'm just not that limber any more.

Thinking about adding a rope and wood tread rung to extend it. I haven't been able to find a three-rung ladder of the same narrow width.

[Ponaldpe]

This what I did with my Ladder, it is better to get onboard , you do have bring it to just the right spot as not to hang-up the steering. I have never motored with it down, it should not hit anything I just do not want to find out I am wrong. It is easier to get in and out of the boat on the hard, my boarding challenged 1st mate can make it even with her bum nee .

[BOAT]

This what I did with my Ladder, it is better to get onboard , you do have bring it to just the right spot as not to hang-up the steering. I have never motored with it down, it should not hit anything I just do not want to find out I am wrong. It is easier to get in and out of the boat on the hard, my boarding challenged 1st mate can make it even with her bum nee .

Where the heck do people learn to weld like that??? Man, I wish I could weld stuff - I could build all kinds of cool things if I could weld.

[Ponaldpe]

Where the heck do people learn to weld like that??? Man, I wish I could weld stuff - I could build all kinds of cool things if I could weld.

BOAT If you have no one to train you , get a welder, welding helmet, and a grinder, weld some grind a lot until the welding can be done with out grinding. Class over good luck. Don

[BOAT]

Give me the list of stuff to buy - I don't know nothin bout welding but I'm willing to give it a try.

What welder should I get? and what other things do I need?

I can only weld certain metals. right? Is there an online place that will tell me what to do the first time I fire up that welder? I'm gonna try it - I have a lot of stuff I could make.

[Ponaldpe]

Give me the list of stuff to buy - I don't know nothin bout welding but I'm willing to give it a try.

What welder should I get? and what other things do I need?

I can only weld certain metals. right? Is there an online place that will tell me what to do the first time I fire up that welder? I'm gonna try it - I have a lot of stuff I could make.

Their are many U-Tube how to weld . But no their is no fire it up and weld right off the bat. A 140 wire feed welder with gas regulator, welding helmet, gas bottle , the gas you should check local supply for the best option, buy or rent. The wire feed welder can do a lot and will be easier to learn on than a stick welder. the best way is to take a class or find a trainer . But you can on your own learn to weld and build on your own.