Safety ladder for performers
I ordered the ladder as a rescue ladder, but also as an additional swim ladder, since our permanently installed swim ladder is located under the dinghy while it's attached to the davits. I've mounted it both at the higher stern (140cm plus the railing) and amidships, where the freeboard is about 110cm. I recommend that anyone relying on this ladder to get into the boat try it out beforehand. I just barely managed it; my wife would never have made it up there. Getting to the bottom of the first step requires pull-up-like movements. Stepping off the ladder requires additional gymnastic strength. I expected to be able to climb up like a rope ladder – that's not the case. And I wasn't even wearing waterlogged clothes. For anyone wondering how to get the ladder back into its bag (since there are no instructions included): Start with the bottom rung. Turn the next rung 180 degrees and attach it, making sure not to waste any length of line. Turn the third rung another 180 degrees, and so on. To allow my wife to swim while we're at anchor, I'll probably have to come up with something else. It certainly wouldn't be long enough to rescue her.