Bathing & boarding ladders

My bow ladder prove to be single-purpose device. Now reduced to single step it works fine to enter the boat while in berth but we need to have a way to get onboard from water also.

I could, of course, buy ready-made stainless steel ladder for few thousands SEK but it felt like more fun to make my own.

I like the concept of using fender-board as a ladder. I started with laminated plank (pine shelf which was left from another project) and cut foot openings/steps every 30 cm.

Japanese saw was the best tool to cut clean the openings.

Filing and sanding to finish the steps.
I added reinforcement beams on the bottom. This way the ladder can be used not only in vertical position but also as a bridge to land.

Components were not glued but only screwed together, brass screws. This way I can service the ladder easily and it is robust enough to not need gluing. Sanding of the whole assembly.

The ladder will be oiled, not varnished nor epoxy-coated. It will give her satin finish and maintain the proper grip for safe walking on it. Varnish-like surface would be too slippery.
Pine wood, compared to old mahogany, seems to be very bright and flat. I wanted to give it some more weatherly-look to match my boat.
I painted it with flames!

There used to be custom to surface-burn wood, for protection from elements. We know now that it’s mostly useless as a protection but moderate burning can add some character to otherwise flat-looking wood.

Oiling in Owatrol D1, left overnight to cure.

Some rope work followed.

Rope is screwed with brass screws doped in Ettan. Since it’s a braided rope it was possible to hide screw heads inside the rope so that bump-protective role of the rope is maintained.

Done!
Field tests show that the thing is robust. If not on the boat it can serve in our tree house, too.

I’ve made it long enough so it will go deep under water while being hanged from bow or stern. This way it should be easy to grab it and lift oneself up.
So far we’ve used it as a bridge to the pontoon, it’s too cold water to try bathing seriously!