Stern ladder feedback
Alan,
Something else to thing about with a stern ladder on an E-35 MKII.....the aft stay. I have a nice custom fabricated S.S. articulating ladder on my 1972 E-35 installed by the previous owner, although it's useful I'd re-work it a bit.
It's installed on the center line of the transom which makes the backstay right in the middle of the ladder. So one needs to climb around the back stay, then climb over the stern pulpit. I rectified the stern pulpit problem by cutting in a locking boarding gate, but the issue remains regarding the back stay.
If I were to do it myself, I'd offset the ladder to port or stbd to get away from the backstay problem. Also, if you are even remotely thinking of a wind vane then forget the stern mount.
The one nice feature of the stern mount ladder is that it is out of the way as opposed to a side ladder. It's one less piece of gear you needs to schlep on and off the boat and store somewhere - storage is at a premium on my E-35 and I don't know where I'd stash a 4' S.S. ladder. Also, I have a rope tied off to my stern ladder so if some one goes into the drink, they can pull the ladder down and get back on board......ever try climbing on to an Ericson? It's impossible.....Ever try climbing onto a 8" floating dock all wet and get out of the water? It's nearly impossible. So, my ladder serves as an emergency 're-boarding' ladder at my general area of the dock.
Lastly, one thing to think about regardless of the location is the rungs.....I find it very difficult to climb on my ladder with its round 1" S.S. tubing in bare feet. What ever you do, either get steps or flatten the tubing where your bare feet go. Before you buy, just try stepping on round 1" tubing in your bare feet and see what I mean....it is painful! CRAMP! OUCH! *&^%$#@%!
'Nuff said
Good luck.....John M.
