Has anybody built or bought a gangway for their boat?

[Nick 55]

My parents are looking to make some changes to make it easier to get into and out of their boat(1998 450 DA). Right now, they have lowered the finger pier down as low as it will go. It is currently about the same height as the gunnel. They have to pull into their pier as well so a gangway going down to the swim platform isn't an option either. Right now they enter from the port gunnel near the arch where the step is inside the boat. However, they need a rail and or something to make the transition from pier to cockpit easier. I looked at a lot of available options but they were major boat bucks. It really only needs to be three feet long and either mount to the pier and pivot up out of the way or be easily removed from a mounting point on the gunnel.

Does anybody have ideas?

 

[CliffA]

My parents are looking to make some changes to make it easier to get into and out of their boat(1998 450 DA). Right now, they have lowered the finger pier down as low as it will go. It is currently about the same height as the gunnel. They have to pull into their pier as well so a gangway going down to the swim platform isn't an option either. Right now they enter from the port gunnel near the arch where the step is inside the boat. However, they need a rail and or something to make the transition from pier to cockpit easier. I looked at a lot of available options but they were major boat bucks. It really only needs to be three feet long and either mount to the pier and pivot up out of the way or be easily removed from a mounting point on the gunnel.

Does anybody have ideas?

Nick,
How about something like this? it is lightweight and folds to make carrying easier....

cliff

http://www.realtruck.com/duraloader...content=5391&gclid=CMP337mKuMYCFQenaQodjjQFxw

 

[Nick 55]

That's like what I was considering, but didn't know how individuals affixed it to the pier or to the boat.

 

[CliffA]

That's like what I was considering, but didn't know how individuals affixed it to the pier or to the boat.

if it is light enough it can simply be removed and installed as needed....might need to make some kind of catch on the dock to keep the ramp in place while boarding and unboarding....

cliff

 

[trflgrl]

First Mate built a gangway--I have only one pic on this computer from while it was in progress, but you can see the end that's notched on both sides to fit snugly into the transom door opening. Each end has a lip on the underside to help it stay in place on the boat/dock. I think it's about 4 feet long because it extends from several inches into the cockpit over the depth of the swim platform, plus several inches onto the dock. Will post more pics when I get to my laptop.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Nick, I've seen a product that is basically a 1.5" stainless rod about 4' tall that fits into what looks to be a fishing rod holder that's mounted into the hull like you would a propane grill mount. I just looked through West Marine but couldn't find it, and I don't recall the name of it.

It provides a stabilizer for a person to hang onto when they're getting on board, then after everyone is on board you simply remove it and stow it. I'll keep looking for it.

 

[Buckeye Boater]

Nick, I've seen a product that is basically a 1.5" stainless rod about 4' tall that fits into what looks to be a fishing rod holder that's mounted into the hull like you would a propane grill mount. I just looked through West Marine but couldn't find it, and I don't recall the name of it.

It provides a stabilizer for a person to hang onto when they're getting on board, then after everyone is on board you simply remove it and stow it. I'll keep looking for it.

This company offers a Boarding Pole similar to what you described -- http://www.nauticalcross.com/

 

[Nick 55]

That boarding pole is a win for them. I've been trying to prevent modifying the boat, but dad even mentioned something that "would fit in a fishing rod holder" would work great. I'm going to show him this. West Marine didn't have anything like this that we saw. Talking to him today, he's doing some plans to build a step with a flip up "ledge" about 12" long that looks like it will work and can stay at the pier as well. Thank you everyone for the input. It gets difficult when boaters age or their mobility is challenged and I think if one of them were injured getting on or off the boat, it would seriously damper their thoughts of it being their little "oasis".

 

[Xplicitlnck]

My old marina the guy next to me bought a set of light weight folding atv ramps bolted then together put a hand rail on and wrapped in carpet. Looked great folded up in the middle, light and strong

 

[swaterhouse]

......Talking to him today, he's doing some plans to build a step with a flip up "ledge" about 12" long that looks like it will work and can stay at the pier as well.

My parents have an step like that, there is a 10" long step that folds up and fills the gap between the dock and the boat. Works great.

I would call some of the dock builders in your area, his builder added his a few years ago, its all welded aluminum, with diamond plate as the step and makes it much safer for them.

 

[66pony]

I used 4 5/4x6 inch deck boards and made a gangway. worked well. Nice thing is that it floats if it falls into the water. I believe it would even be strong enough to hold a pig.

 

[Skybolt]

As far as the boarding "pole" goes, this is what I use:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|7504|2290201&id=132352

I had to mount my dinghy with hanging davits and now I board from the side of the boat. It works very well.

 

[sbw1]

Anyone remember the boarding ramp for the pot bellied pig? You can make a ramp for any situation. We like boarding poles.

 

[Breakwater]

Does Sea Ray make one? I saw a picture with one of the L class vessels and there was one for the port side entrance way. Sean

 

[sbw1]

Does Sea Ray make one? I saw a picture with one of the L class vessels and there was one for the port side entrance way. Sean

nauticalcross.com sells boarding poles if that is what you are asking.