Thirty-three years ago when we started working on the perfect cruising yacht design we quickly realized that we needed a way to get back aboard if we fell over. The design configurations we were considering were simply too high to pull ourselves up from the water. In an effort to solve this dilemma the swim/boarding/rescue platform was born which has graced the transom of all our yachts.
There has been some refinement over the years, but the design goals remain the same:
- Provide a way to get back aboard if you have fallen over (at anchor or at sea).
- Simplify getting in and out of the dinghy.
- Work as a swimming/snorkeling/SCUBA platform.
- Provide storage for flammable materials where practical.
So how does this work out on the FPB 64?
There is a built in companionway from the deck to the boarding platform. Handrails on each side provide security.
The platform is large enough to have one person holding the dinghy while others hop out.
The boarding ladder is a permanent fixture.
And there are large storage lockers on both sides.
Brian Rickard is about to test the swim step and boarding ladder. The test, and his search for a pair of glasses lost overboard were both successful.
A final look at this mundane but important detail for a serious cruising yacht. Note the hinged swim ladder in its stored position.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 13, 2010)
April 13th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Steve-
If one were in the water, having fallen in without the swim ladder deployed, would it not be a good idea to have a short lanyard attached to the swim ladder which one could reach from the water. One could then grab the lanyard and pull the ladder from its stored position and hopefully not onto ones head.
April 13th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Hi Sarah:
This is what we do on Wind Horse and I would guess others will follow suit.
April 13th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Hi Steve; As an engineer I have been impressed with the often elegant solutions to the many details in a project like FPB 64. Can the boarding ladder be deployed by a person in the water without help?
April 13th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Hi David:
On Wind Horse we keep a lanyard, reachable from the water, so the ladder can be pulled over. But anyone doing this would need the presence of mind to stay out of the way.
April 16th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Steve,
I see some sort of fitting (or light) between the ladder on the platform. What is it?
If you ever had to assist a disabled boat with the FPB what point would you tow from? The center winch?
Thank you.
Best,
Robert
April 16th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Hi Robert:
It is probably the COLREGs stern light to which you are referring. Re towing another vessel, or towing a drogue (like a Galerider), the #48 Lewmar electric winch would be the choice. There are also a pair of welded tangs on the rub rail corners for really heavy loads (such as a Jordan Series Drogue).
June 18th, 2011 at 11:19 am
On Hoa we also welded “steps” in the hull on each side (at midship),just in case !