Where to stow dive ladder?

M

matt_unique

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C Dory Year
2007
C Dory Model
255 Tomcat
Vessel Name
Napoleon
I'm curious where others stow the dive ladder while underway on the Tomcat? It would easily fit inside one of the sponson storage areas forward but I would need to secure it to prevent it from banging around underway.

Thanks
 
matt_unique":23yten88 said:
I'm curious where others stow the dive ladder while underway on the Tomcat? It would easily fit inside one of the sponson storage areas forward but I would need to secure it to prevent it from banging around underway.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I guess you're using a removeable ladder which poses the storage problem.

As I remember, the Tom Cat "Dive Cat" had a folding ladder between the motors at the stern, which simply folded up out of the way.

But it depends on how you want to use the stern of the boat for other uses as well, I assume.

Padding the sponson forward would seem the simplest solution, but it depends on how the ladder exactly fits into the available space.

I'd try padding the sides of the sponson with closed cell foam, then if it still bangs around a lot, getting an inflatable bladder or water toy to place over the ladder and inflating it with a 12-v air pump to secure it in place. Would have to cover over any sharp screws, etc. to prevent bladder punctures, however. We used bladders for bouyancy protection in case of a hull puncture in small racing sailboats for years. They can be custom made, if necessary, by folks who specialize in them for sailboats, kyacks, etc.

Good Luck!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
All the Tom Cats I have seen have a clip for the ladder on the transom above the Armstrong Bracket. That is where my ladder is located.

Warren
 

Matt,
We have the 3 step dive ladder that fits into a slot on the Armstrong bracket too. It's visible in the photo in clips on the transom ahead of the Port engine. Use 3 clips! I've had it jump out of 2 clips in rough water. It was secured by a safety cable so it wasn't lost. It just flailed around wildly and punched a 2" hole in the lower plastic engine cover, A $300 part! It's a good spot for it, easily accessible from on the bracket and from the ground when trailering.

swim_ladder.sized.jpg
 
My ladder is mounted a bit differently. It is on the center of the transom, between the rub rail and the Armstrong bracket. I have two clips, and it has never come loose (knock on wood.)

Roger, what kind of chairs are those in your cockpit?

Warren
 
I do a lot of solo cruising, and tie a line on the ladder fastened to the handhold on the aft cabin wall, and stow the ladder where I can reach it from the water, just in case I go overboard.
 
Several referenced clips of some kind. What kind of clips are you referring to?

Thanks
 
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