Water is essential for our existence and not only for consumption but also just being in it or around it, it can change how we feel. Be it at the beach or even better on a boat cruising around in the ocean, you will definitely start to feel calmer. This is because bodies of water help increase certain hormones that make you feel happy and at ease while it decreases cortisol levels which is the stress hormone.
By going boating you’re also getting enough exercise for the day and vitamin D which is essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. You also get to breathe in fresh air and the salt from the ocean can help promote respiratory health and reduce any symptoms of asthma.
Types of Boat Ladders
Over Platform
The top of your boat’s swim platform can have a marine folding ladder and although this type of ladder can be in the way it can also be rather beneficial. This is because such a boat ladder with a folding mechanism is better protected by the boat’s wake as well as any other obstruction underneath it.
Under Platform
As you’d expect an under-platform ladder is one of the most popular since it doesn’t obstruct your movement up top whatsoever. While you can get the ladder damaged more easily by the wake of the boat, you can easily avoid that by folding it in.
Pontoon
If you have such a vessel, then you are best off with a pontoon ladder. This type of marine folding ladder is rather durable and it comes with grabrails that make it a lot easier to get up no matter how tall or short you are. Keep in mind that these ladders are permanent solutions as they are bolted at the aft swim platform.
Dive
For more adventurous boating experiences you should consider going for a dive ladder. This type of boat latter is made so that it goes slightly underwater when extended. They come with non-slip treads which makes them ideal when you want to go snorkelling and diving.
Gunwale
When you don’t want to have a ladder placed on your swim platform you should go for a gunwale ladder. With a gunwale ladder, you get to have a permanently mounted solution that can be removed rather easily at a later date thanks to their deck mount brackets and standoffs which also make it quite a secure boat folding ladder.
Transom
Transom ladders are just like gunwale ladders in that they also free up space on your swim platform. They are made to be mounted on the back of your transom which helps make for ladders that can drop directly into water while they’re also out of your way. The folding action makes it a rather convenient solution that is also visually appealing in both positions.
Materials Boat Ladders Come Made of
Stainless Steel
The most common material used for the making of boat ladders is stainless steel. This is because the material is rather strong and quite light while being corrosion-resistant. But all of these properties make it a more expensive option than say aluminium.
Aluminium
An aluminium ladder is rather light yet strong too but not as much as a stainless steel one. Aluminium is even better at fending off corrosion which is going to be an even better option than stainless steel when it comes to a boat folding ladder.
PVC
What you don’t have to worry about at all with a PVC ladder is corrosion. Plastic doesn’t corrode and it makes for quite an affordable ladder. Keep in mind though that PVC is not as strong as an aluminium or stainless steel ladder but it is much lighter than both.
Rope
Rope ladders are more malleable than any other type of boat ladder as they are made only for emergencies. They are not meant to be used as a daily solution as they can’t withstand the motion of the ocean as well as any of the above types of ladders.
What Matters in a Boat Ladder?
Weight Limit
In the same way, your boat has a weight limit, your boat ladder folding has one too. This limit is what determines who can climb up the ladder safely. If you want a ladder exclusively for your children to use, then you can go for a lightweight one like a PVC ladder. But if you want a boat folding ladder that adults can use too, you should go for one that can withstand about 115 kg. If you’ll have bigger people on board then you need to go for a heavy-duty ladder.
Step Size
A big factor when it comes to safety is the size of the steps. The larger the steps are usually the safer the ladder is as it provides a greater area for you to put your foot on. But keep in mind that a larger step will also add to the bulk of the ladder even when folded. The steps should also have an anti-slip surface made of rubber to keep you from falling.
Handrails
For added safety, you should also get a ladder with handrails as in this case you can hold yourself and have more control when climbing up into your boat. This is especially helpful for the elderly and children.
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