Question for the folks that fish alone.

[justinp61]

Instead of sidetracking 10point's thread I'll start a new one.

Do you have a ladder on your boat? have you ever tried to use it? This is mainly for the aluminum boat crowd but also pertains to the glass guys too.

After talking to Rickie while working on my turret project I decided to add a ladder to my 1860 Triton aluminum boat. I'd been considering it for a couple years, just hadn't done it. Rickie had already added one to his boat and sent me a link to Amazon. I ordered one, if it's not like his it's very close. When it arrived I figured out where to mount it and started drilling holes.

After it was installed I decided to try it out in the shop. I mess with my boat a lot and have a 3' step ladder to get in and out. I unstrapped the ladder and let it extend to the floor, then I grabbed the transom and stepped up on the ladder, it immediately moved against the transom, this left my feet out in front of me, if I didn't have a good grip on the transom I would have fallen backwards. I got in the boat but it was very awkward.

This made me realize that it's not going to be as easy as just climbing a ladder to get back in the boat (like I thought it would) in the event I ever need it. My little mind started working on a solution. Having aluminum tubing and angle i came up with a bracket to keep the ladder from moving to the transom to the point where your feet are forward and the steps are against the boat and hard to keep your feet on. I bought two stainless U bolts and chair feet, then welded two short pipe legs to the angle, installed the feet and used the U bolts to attach it to the ladder.

I primarily fish alone and in the winter months 90% of the time. Knowing time is not on my side if I go in the cold water, making it easier to get in the boat could be a life saver. If you have a ladder, try it and see if you can easily get in your boat.

[ultraslab]

Another tip that might save your life is you can staddle the gas motor and use the manual button to raise the motor and yourself. Not graceful but not impossible especially if your weighted down with 4 layers of wet clothes. Scott

[justinp61]

Another tip that might save your life is you can staddle the gas motor and use the manual button to raise the motor and yourself. Not graceful but not impossible especially if your weighted down with 4 layers of wet clothes. Scott

That was always my plan but I was afraid if my motor skills were slowed from the cold water that it may be difficult to do. Especially if I were unsuccessful on the first attempt.

[BON TEMPS]

My grandson and I bothl were thrown off the bow and into the water when our trolling motor hit a stump as we fished standing up on the front deck. My grandson , 13 years of age, grabbed the side of the boat and pulled himself up in a flash. I on the other hand 66 years old and over weight swam back to the outboard motor and used the motor to get back into the boat. It was July and 100 F so no cold weather issues. My bride was sitting down when we hit the stump so she became the captain to the ship for a short period of time. Her and my grandson assisted me back into the boat via the outboard motor. Not graceful but it worked.

Bon Temps!!

[Chuck Adams]

I have a ladder but never used or tried it.
I had better try it in the garage like you suggest.
Thanks for the post.



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[zummy]

Yes I have a ladder. We use it all the time as it allows us to get back in the boat after tubing etc.

[zekepa]

I just received by ladder yesterday. Plan to mount it this weekend.

This model has pins that keep the ladder out at an angle from the boat.

Having the ladder swing under the boat is exactly what I'm trying to avoid. Once I get it mounted up I'll try it in the garage and post pics.

I do plan on trying it out on the water during the summer. Right now most of the water around here is frozen over.



Telescoping Folding Transom Ladder (marinedepotdirect.com)

[Grainraiser]

I have small 14ft skiff. No place to install a latter but I do have a rope with some loops tied into it so I have a place to put my feet to help me get back into the boat if I happen to fall out. It is tied off to a cleat. I just put my feet in the two stirrups tied in the rope and climb back aboard.

["D"]

Two more tips. Wear an inflatable life preserver all the time when fishing alone. Keep a small duffle with a large towel and a change of dry warm clothes in your storage. Maybe even a spare coat. I tried my ladder in the water. Not as easy as I hoped, but I managed. Can do about as well using the motor for foot and the trim. One more thing...Your bracket invention is awesome. Totally will help.

[DockShootinJack]

A space blanket may not be a bad idea as well to help get you warm after a spill into the water