Cabin Ladder

rockman · Post by **rockman** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 3:16 am

Hi,

Looking at the cabin ladder today in the 26M, and wondering if it serves as a structural member or is it just for access. Why - if it is just for access then i would like to think about modifying it like some of the 26X ladder mods? SO that at night i can fold it up and give much better access to the rear berth.

Has anybody else tried this on the 26M?

Look forward to your replies.

Cheers
RockMan
26M

James V · Post by **James V** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:35 am

It looks to be a support. I found that when the steps got wet whatever cloth was on it, the stain came off on it. I cleaned it several times and it does not do it. Although it is now whiter.

note: do not varnish the steps as they will be very slippery.

baldbaby2000 · Post by **baldbaby2000** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:08 am

I'm pretty sure it's a support too. On my Mac 25 there was a sheet of wood in the same place that had rotted and lost some of it's strength. This caused the cockpit floor and the hull to deform.

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:38 am

The forward end of the 26X cockpit is supported by the head bulkheads on the starboard side and a compression post to the fixed galley on the port side. The ladder on late-model 26Xs need not provide support.

To replace the structural contribution of the 26M ladder, have some tubing formed to the same dimensions as the ladder legs then mount them just outboard on either side of the ladder.

Then you have to decide what to do with the ladder. Making it removable would risk someone not looking and stepping into the cabin expecting the ladder to be there. It could also trap children and shorter adults below in a fire, especially considering the M's high companionway, if it wasn't there and couldn't be readily found, accessed, and mounted. For these reasons, the factory wouldn't make it removable.

Because it's longer than the companionway is tall (not the case on the 26X), you couldn't fold it up in one piece under the closed companionway hatch. It would have to fold in the middle. Alternatively, you could try to figure out some way to hinge it on one side to the support you added, and make it operate like a door.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:41 am

The Ladder is definitelly a support and it also helps hold the traveller and the stresses created by it from the mainsheet.

As for coating the steps, I sanded them, then applied a few coats of Flecto Varathane liquid plastic to protect the wood. They now wipe clean easily and I have not slipped on them yet.

jetta01 · Post by **jetta01** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:52 am

Hi Rockman,

As Moe mentioned, it is structural. We need to try and get scott vos to post the modification he did. Exactly as Moe mentioned, he put in new support bars that are much wider, then setup the ladder so that you can either swing it up out of the way, or remove the cotter pins and completely remove it. It came out very nice and makes getting into the berth so much easier. I will call him and see if he will post it.

Rick

They Theirs · Post by **They Theirs** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:08 pm

M ladder is taller because of the additional room in the aft birth and the cockpit entrance is elevated for safety against a following sea. The structural enhancement is true but it also provides a first-rate cabin handhold and lends a hand for moving in and out of the aft birth.
2003 & Early 2004 "M" Model

Late 2004 "M" Model

2005 and 2006 "M" Model Sliding Galley with Dinette

Early "X" Model Water Ballast Vent Step

Later "X" Model Short Ladder

nemo · Post by **nemo** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:23 pm

Access to the rear berth on a newer M is one of the biggest shortfalls of the boat, in my opinion. I'd LOVE to see a mod that would allow the ladder to be temporarily moved. Yes I recognize it is absolutely a structural component.

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:33 pm

The original poster's question addressed this problem. By being permanently affixed, the ladder blocks not only use of the additional space gained by the higher companionway and bridgedeck, but also that of the original space under the X's lower companionway. I do think the problem can be solved though, and Roger probably already knows how, but it cost too much to implement.

They Theirs · Post by **They Theirs** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:49 pm

Were in and out of the M adult super size rear birth without any problems.

I cannot play limbo, like kids, they are able to crawls under this fold up ladder on the X, the M" uses this space for battery storage.
The Head is right against the cockpit entry on the X and the permanently mounted Galley with a support post aft, makes entry difficult, and the ladder hinge (which needs constant tightening to keep it from falling) allows kids to use the much lower/smaller aft birth. X Boaters collapse the dinette for a larger adult size birth.

We all like the rigid ladder for providing an easy grip and stability when out on the water.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:50 pm

Off Topic:
Just a WAG, but givin' odds that the winsome teen modeling in '05 M-boat
was also a model when the '95 X-boat was new!
( maybe Roger's granddaughter ??)

They Theirs wrote:2005 and 2006 "M" Model Sliding Galley with Dinette

Early "X" Model Water Ballast Vent Step

They Theirs · Post by **They Theirs** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 9:39 pm

Frank
I would say you are right!

David Mellon · Post by **David Mellon** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 12:08 am

Right, l heard that is Roger's granddaughter and that she is married now. Just a rumor of course.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 1:18 am

Married ?! ... hmmm.
I was guessing age 3 in '95, so maybe 13 yrs old in the more recent picture.

Probably more than one grandchild in those rumors.

Moe · Post by **Moe** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 5:50 am

I find it amusing she's strategically placed in the 26M pictures to hide the ice chest cut-out in the berth cushion.

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Cabin Ladder

Cabin Ladder

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