Bow rail modification? Bow ladder...

[The Finn]

Hi all,

All advice appreciated... I would like to open up the bow rail and add a fixed telescope ladder, that ideally would not extend too much out (my peer is a tight park).

I have removed the anchor as I typically need to anchor from the back. Mostly I am pondering on 2 issues.

1) when I cut open the bow rail (to avoid hopping over) will I need to strenghten it by adding some additional support?
2) which standard ladder would fit best, has somebody experience from this (300 Sundancer, from 2004).

I do not have anybody close to weld any new supports so would need to add a hinge and rail part to attach to deck. I guess the need for this will become clear once the rail is opened. Just trying to plan ahead..

Thanks, The Finn

 

[Korkie]

Are you doing this to facilitate getting on and off when "beaching the boat" or for swimming? Not sure I would alter the bow rail. Seems would decrease the resale, or at least limit the resale to someone interested in that customization. We use one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Telescoping-...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Goes up and over the bow rail and sits on the deck on a rubber pad. We tie it off to the front cleats. Works quite nicely. Can get some water in it, so I drilled holes in the sections that may come in contact with the water to facilitate drainage. We collapse it down and store it in engine compartment.

 

[The Finn]

Thanks for the idea. It would be for easy front access to pear and also to access Islands easier also from the front. Something like in this pic attached.

 

[Korkie]

That is pretty sharp, and you still get to have your windlass setup. We do all our boarding from the stern and sides at piers. But I do see where this setup would work nicely depending on circumstances. Good luck with it and post pics.

 

[DWABoat]

The picture looks like a nice feature.

I highly recommend you keep the ability to anchor from the bow. As I am sure you know, anchoring from the stern in open, moving water (even tidal) is very dangerous and can sink your boat. If you ever needed an urgent anchor in a storm or for a breakdown, it would create a problem.

Is there any way you can move the anchor roller off to the side just a few inches? I have seen that before.