tomodda wrote:Define "Emergency Use." I ask because coming in over the transom is a real bear. Are you thinking about how to get back aboard if you fall overboard or how to get aboard after a capsize? Two different things, cuz a capsized, and presumably swamped, boat rides much lower.
Generally speaking, I prefer to board over the side... get a leg in and roll myself aboard. A boarding strap (look it up) helps IMMENSELY for a boarding over the side. I have two loops of rope that I rigged up for boarding, tied to each thwart, but keep "meaning to" get a real strap. Anyway, think about it, you have way more room to maneuver going aboard over the side and you use your legs instead of arms. On the other hand, if the boat is swamped in a seaway, you risk capsizing it again (first rule in capsize recovery, put the bow to the wind!). On the other, other hand, boat with head to the wind, you try and pull yourself in over the transom, bow rises up... boat falls off, and again rolls over... And coming over the transom you are sure to get yourself tangled up with the mainsheet bridle, motor, rudder, cleats, etc. And that's with a capsized boat, coming aboard after you go overboard is a whole other story .... exhausted, adrenaline rush, afraid, bulky lifejacket getting in the way. What other emergency scenarios do you have in mind? Think them thru, step by step.
Suggestion: anchor the boat in chest deep water and then try and get aboard. See what works better, side or transom. Big problem is that you have nowhere to put your legs. A ladder, rope, or strap will tend to just ride up under the boat, it's hard! Again, coming over the side means you can get your shoulders up on the coaming, hook your aftmost leg up onto the side deck, heel in the cockpit, and then roll/lever yourself in.. can't do that over the transom!
OK, I'm repeating myself, sorry. Good luck, and let us know how it works out!
Tom
Thanks for taking the time to reply, Tom. Good points about side vs transom. I had imagined leaving something in well in back of boat handy in emergency. I've considered a dragging line for sailing in brisk winds. No doubt, sea trials are key.
My DS had not capsized. I've had experience with capsized boats in the distant past and understand what's involved. Reboarding can be tricky, but freeboard not the issue.
In my situation, my crew did just fine on boat but the dinghy took him by surprise and threw him out after transfer from boat. Lowest step of an old 2 step ladder was not very low, so I took a bit of a heave to get that first step done. I like idea of a boarding strap. I found a demo. It confirms my theory that key is that the lowest point is deep and explains why the Davis Swim step works as well as it does in trials. I assembled a nice deep boarding ladder from 1 1/4" pvc and old halyard and was trying to decide where to attach to boat. Side and transom are both options.
My problem is that DSIIs don't have as many places to tie off things as DS1s. Only location so far on my boat is stern cleat. No thwarts or lifting rings. How do i create sturdy point to clip or tie on strap or rope ladder?
FYI:
Boarding strap demo:
http://navigatorjoel.blogspot.com/2014/ ... traps.htmlTest of multiple boarding systems:
https://www.boatus.org/findings/44/Davis boarding strap stirrup:
https://www.davisinstruments.com/products/swim-stirrupDIY Rope Boarding ladder:
https://www.cruisingworld.com/how/how-m ... ng-ladder/Another boarding strap.
https://www.amazon.com/freneci-83-130cm ... 9XNJ&psc=1Again, thanks for taking the time.