Companionway ladder mod

[robbarnes1965]

I love this mod: http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1173

One question - solved by this mod but for other alternatives: Does the ladder actually provide support for the cockpit? I see that X models just have a step with no similar support.

[Crikey]

Rob, I remember some of the discussions reading about this previously. Apparently the ladder provides some structural rigidity between the upper cockpit moulding and the lower attachment point. It was reported that you needed a jack to reinstall a completely unbolted ladder.
I would like to do the same to my for a preferred entry into, and from, the rear berth. I don't think machining or kluging the swivels and return socket would be too difficult to fabricate but because of the above concern I'm still a little worried that a one sided removal of support would present a flexing issue.

Ross

[Paul S]

I have taken the ladder out to reseal the track... it gets quite squishy without the ladder. I wouldn't do that mod myself.. but if the ladder is secured firmly..should be OK. Not sure if any damage would happen if steped on while the ladder was missing..

[robbarnes1965]

I thought I remembered seeing that too. He does add support on the sides. Overall I like it. I have been entertaining ideas to make entry and exit more smooth both in the aft birth and the v birth. The simplest idea I had was to add grab handles above the obvious entry points - particularly above the v-birth.

[Currie]

Hi Guys,

Yes, the ladder is the big support in that area of the boat. Without it the sliding hatch won't even close properly because of the distortion. I made sure that the ladder was exactly the same height after I finished modifying. There is no slop in it at all since the swivels and catches were milled from brass on a CNC. In my case, the sidewalls also support the cockpit, which is good, because you free up the one side when you open the ladder. Everything is rock-solid and I have no concerns about the safety of the ladder - it stays put.

Cheers,

~Bob

[Currie]

Just an afterthought - it may look as though the ladder flops open and closed. But because of the downward pressure put on the swivels by the deck (and it's quite a bit), I actually have to push/pull it at every position. IOW - there's a couple of pounds of resistance no matter where it's at.

~Bob

[Crikey]

Bob, how were the main upper and lower swivels designed? Do you secure, or latch the opening half when closed?

Any additional pictures (this is where our mods section could be improved!)?

Ross

[Currie]

These are line drawing of the parts I had milled from brass. I didn't take a picture of them until after they were installed . I gave the shop the SS-ladder-tubing so they could get the perfect, snug fit (they had to be tapped in with a hammer). The swivel "pins" are milled as part of the flange and are 1/2" in diameter. The flanges themselves insert about an inch into the SS-ladder-tubing. The catches may be a little weird on the eyes in the line drawings - they are just 1" diameter circles with offset centers, milled into the flange, so they fit together.



Hope this helps

~Bob

[Currie]

BTW - one last thought. There are no latches required for the ladder. When I close it I feel the "catches" kind of wedge together slightly. I actually have to give it a gentle "slam" for lack of a better term. I probably just got lucky. Given the slope of the ladder, my weight tends to hold it shut while walking on the ladder, as opposed to pushing it open.

[u12fly]

I had my ladder out of the boat for over a year while I was working on my I never noticed any issue in the floor or structure as I jumped in and out of the cabin. I would not sail without the ladder as it is a major support to the traveler. When it finally came time to re-install the ladder it slipped perfectly into place, so the floor must not have moved up or down over the year long period. I am going to work a mod on my ladder this winter to make removable with several large quick release pins. I am also changing the bolts driving down into the cockpit berth, they look like a good place to loose some skin in the dark

[arknoah]

Sweet mod!

[Crikey]

they look like a good place to loose some skin in the dark

Done that

Looks like yet another mod to welcome in the New Year! I like Currie's approach for the simplicity, and the fact that it still preserves one internal stanchion as a brace. Somehow, in claiming our respective places in the sleeping arrangements, I ended up with the short end of the stick (and the wet side of the cooler!) and got banished to the starboard side because I don't have to get up several times in the night for a number one. If the Admirals not hogging my side of the bunk, I might just find the ladder mod a perfect solution to those odd times (haw!) when I've had too many brews...

[Highlander]

they look like a good place to loose some skin in the dark

Done that

Looks like yet another mod to welcome in the New Year! I like Currie's approach for the simplicity, and the fact that it still preserves one internal stanchion as a brace. Somehow, in claiming our respective places in the sleeping arrangements, I ended up with the short end of the stick (and the wet side of the cooler!) and got banished to the starboard side because I don't have to get up several times in the night for a number one. If the Admirals not hogging my side of the bunk, I might just find the ladder mod a perfect solution to those odd times (haw!) when I've had too many brews...

Well in the meantime their's always Depends ! & you could share

J

[capncarp]

Robb,
I see no Xer's have made a comment on this. Maybe you have been looking at pre 99 X's. All 99 and newer X's have a ladder. The ladder provides some (as much as a M) support to the cockpit thru it's contact with the floor. The ladder is so convenent as opposed to the open step of older boats. As far as support I'm not sure that the X needs any.
fair winds,
capncarp,
99

[Divecoz]

I sent what I could of this thread an the OP's mod to my brother.. He Will when I get him the IS tube diameter have 1 ? a Couple?? made up on a buddies CNC Machine.. When? I have no idea .. Today I am blowing snow and shoveling porches decks and steps..
Please note there appears to be two wielded cross members 1 top 1 bottom for diagonal stability.. Would a piece of 1/4-20 rod accomplish some of that for you? It might...