Hello everyone, so I finally decided to mount Kato davits and solar panels on my Cat 36 MK II. I sail the great lakes and for me this turned out to be a good decision. I'm quite happy with all of the benefits. Of course, one of the cons in the long list of davit cons is swim ladder access--which is now zero when the dink is on the davits.
For the most part, that's not the end of the world. However, a new season is around the corner and I was wondering if anyone could suggest a swim ladder that I could mount over the side that was foldable for easier storage.
Or any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
John
These are really nice, expensive too, but nice....
https://www.scanmarinternational.com/boarding-ladders
David Lane
S/V Grace
88' Catalina 36'
Oxnard, Ca
I copied a friend with a Catalina 36 who used these tube hinges to modify the existing ladder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V7TGRWZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
It allows the ladder to fold and be dropped without lowering the dingy. I believe he found the idea on this forum. We did this primarily for safety, i.e. retrieving a MOB. We were on the hook the evening before an early departure. The dingy was on the davits. Something blew overboard and was floating away. I immediately stripped down and dove overboard to retrieve it. Unfortunately with the dingy already on the davits, there was no way to drop the ladder and for me to climb aboard. My wife on the boat had to go through the entire process herself to lower the dingy, then the ladder, before I could get back on the boat. I made the mod with these hinges using a cutting tool with metal disc to easily cut through the ladder tubing, No need to even remove the ladder. However, rather than relying on the set-screws to hold everything together, I am considering drilling through the hinge and tube, then inserting a clevis pin.
Oh my gosh. That would be perfect. Thanks for bringing them to my attention. I'll check to see if they'll work.
Thanks much
This is a great idea, have you ever lifted your davit, tied it all off made it nice and tight ready to go one you discover that you forgot to lift the ladder!
Ed Dewsnap
Marion, MA
1984 Catalina