companionway ladder lock

[DaveC426913]

My companionway ladder (three wood steps between two steel tubes) for my X will absolute not stay in the up position without threatening to clonk me on the head whenever I go into the stern berth.

I have a bungie from the dodger support across the ladder back, to the opposite ladder pole, but all it does is ensure that the ladder bobs dangerously.

Would be interested in your method for securing the ladder in the up position.

[Retcoastie]

One problem is the ladder will not go up as far as it needs to. I took a wood rasp to the fiberglass where the tubes were hitting and notched it about 1/2 inch. This allows the ladder to go almost vertical. Then all it needs is a small bunge to keep it up. It allows the head door to open a lot farther also and the standing area under the sliding hatch is open.

Tightening the pivot bolts will make the ladder stiffer to move and will aid in its staying upright. It does however make the whole operation more difficult. I just went with a bunge to hold it up.

Good Luck

Ken

[Ivan Awfulitch]

I removed the mounting bolts for the ladder, and put a spacer block (about 3/4" ) under the mount and reattached with slightly longer bolts. Be careful with the size of the block as if you make it too large, the ladder will not clear the rear settee. The ladder now folds up to a position that will stay. I have 2 small cup hooks, one on each side that I use a bungee cord when in the rear berth just in case.

[K9Kampers]

I use a 36" bungy cordm. First hook attaches on centerboard line metal strap, thru ladder, then 2nd hook to same as 1st. Holds ladder up nice and tight.

[bobaefa]

I just use a wrench and tighten it until I get to a happy median where it is not too hard to lift and will not drop down. It will fall an inch or two but will not come all the way down.

I removed the mounting bolts for the ladder, and put a spacer block (about 3/4" ) under the mount and reattached with slightly longer bolts. Be careful with the size of the block as if you make it too large, the ladder will not clear the rear settee. The ladder now folds up to a position that will stay. I have 2 small cup hooks, one on each side that I use a bungee cord when in the rear berth just in case.

I like the block idea. Did you just use a 3/4 piece of wood and drill it out or did you use some other material?

[Ivan Awfulitch]

I just use a wrench and tighten it until I get to a happy median where it is not too hard to lift and will not drop down. It will fall an inch or two but will not come all the way down.

I removed the mounting bolts for the ladder, and put a spacer block (about 3/4" ) under the mount and reattached with slightly longer bolts. Be careful with the size of the block as if you make it too large, the ladder will not clear the rear settee. The ladder now folds up to a position that will stay. I have 2 small cup hooks, one on each side that I use a bungee cord when in the rear berth just in case.

I like the block idea. Did you just use a 3/4 piece of wood and drill it out or did you use some other material?

I had a piece of 2" x 2" plastic lumber. I cut it to length, then drilled through the center. Figured that if any water gets in I don't have to worry about rot.

[2BonC]

I don´t lock the ladder, I just take it off . As You can see on the picture the holes for the screws in the ladder were extended to slots.
If this is done in the right size and slope the ladder can easyly be removed by just lifting it and securely put back in place if needed.



rainer

[ronacarme]

We hinge up the ladder, and hold it up with a bungee, bottom end hooked to a ladder leg and top end (with the hook widened) hooked over the upstanding lip bounding the side of the companionway.
Ron