Introduction - What we currently use - Why we use it - The way forward.- Further info Please ask!..
Introduction - Capsize prevention is obviously preferable to having to recover, but on the basis of "prepare for the worst ..." we have a system.
WHAT WE CURRENTLY USE -
- Our prototype wooden boarding ladder stows on the aft bench, loosely tethered at its upper end by a line to the port quarter-knee.
- It is reachable in the swamped Morbic, when “swimming”.
- It is deployed without untying the tether.
- The "off stand" swings ouut to keep the steps away from the transom and vertically above each other.
- The top step is awash. Middle is submerged 270mm. Bottom is submerged 540mm
WHY WE USE IT - We've studied videos and practised:-
- Dry capsize - Is optimum, if you can do it.
- Climbing up via the C-Plate housing (Horizontal-ish when capsized) to the top gunnel - Works for some people. Simply slide over onto the root of the C-plate, then slide back in as Morbic uprights.
- Board over the side, with or without ladder - Is tricky, can de-stabilise a Morbic - Not recommended.
- A strop/stirrup for boarding at the transom/rudder - Can work but could be challenging for some folk, and in real capsize conditions.
- The prototype ladder (shown below) is currently our solution for all conditions and all people.
THE WAY FORWARD -
- Our Mk2. version is in production - in oak, slimmer, more comfortable to sit on, and more beautiful.
- Off-the-shelf metal equipment is unlikely to be the right dimensions, and is just not aesthetically Morbic-worthy!
| Boarding Ladder Prototype - Stowed. Randomly taken; never intended to illustrate ladder stowage]  |
Boarding Ladder - Prototype Created from a former step-ladder  |
Boarding Ladder - Deployed Illustration  |
| Click any image to enlarge | ||