sunshine
Well-known member
I have a 1644 flat bottom with a swamp runner mud motor on it.
While I see plenty of options for stern mounted boarding ladders, based on my experience with this setup I do not feel that would be the safest and would make it fairly easy to swamp the boat. I'm about 220 and when I stand up and get as far back as I can to take a leak or something, I don't have but a few inches of freeboard on whatever corner I'm favoring. I do see some commercial options that would probably work for my application but I thought I'd gather opinions from you guys before making solid plans.
So my question to you guys is....Have any of you installed a removable or fold up boarding ladder on the bow? I am having a "bow cap" of about 12" width, 3/8" thick diamond plate welded on the front for a couple cleats, my light bar, and nav lights.
I have access to a pretty awesome shop at work, including a couple guys that will weld for me for a case of beer so fabbing something isn't out of the question.
Pics would probably be helpful, and I can provide some later on today.
This would probably not get used a whole heck of a lot, but would be great at times for shallow water spearfishing/scalloping.
Anyways, thanks for any insight, experience, or ideas in advance.
While I see plenty of options for stern mounted boarding ladders, based on my experience with this setup I do not feel that would be the safest and would make it fairly easy to swamp the boat. I'm about 220 and when I stand up and get as far back as I can to take a leak or something, I don't have but a few inches of freeboard on whatever corner I'm favoring. I do see some commercial options that would probably work for my application but I thought I'd gather opinions from you guys before making solid plans.
So my question to you guys is....Have any of you installed a removable or fold up boarding ladder on the bow? I am having a "bow cap" of about 12" width, 3/8" thick diamond plate welded on the front for a couple cleats, my light bar, and nav lights.
I have access to a pretty awesome shop at work, including a couple guys that will weld for me for a case of beer so fabbing something isn't out of the question.
Pics would probably be helpful, and I can provide some later on today.
This would probably not get used a whole heck of a lot, but would be great at times for shallow water spearfishing/scalloping.
Anyways, thanks for any insight, experience, or ideas in advance.