Make sure you get a ladder with enough steps. The one on my 19' runabout has
one step and the platform: the step is only about 1' below the water surface
when in use. While my feet can't go under the boat, as on your rope ladder,
it's natural for those of us with a belly or lack of flexibility to lean
backwards while getting a foot on that step, requiring a lot of upper body
strength to get up and forward. At least one more step in the water would be
a big help.


"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Don White" wrote in message
...

My sailboat is an 18.5 foot Sandpiper. I ordered a hinged stainless
steel
boarding ladder that I will bolt through the transom. When underway,
the
four steps hinge up and can be fastened to the stern rail.



Well...I have to figure something out, even if it involves heavily
modifying
a boarding ladder. We're missing out on some good swimming opportunities.