Boarding Ladder Handle

[Derek Wenn]

It seems like I remember seeing a mod where someone added a handle on the stern of their Mac so, I went out and found a great deal on a S.S. handle about 8 inches long. The other day I started preping the boat for a Spring launch and can't seem to find a way to add a backing plate about a foot above the boarding ladder hinge. Does any one have any experience with this?

[Kelly Hanson East]

Derek - you might have to drill a large hole (4 inch or so) and use a deck plate (west marine) to cover that hole

A grab handle doesnt need a huge backing plate just some fender washers - one person at 300 pounds on 4 one inch fender washers is only about 75 pounds of force on the glass at each washer - not enough to break it, and of course you wouldnt put your full weight on the plate anyway.

[James V]

There is a handle on a rope that you can use. If you have an M you can wrap the mast support with 1/8" rope.

[tangentair]

If you have an M you can wrap the mast support with 1/8" rope.

I agree. It makes it real nautical looking and is super easy to do. I would show you my arch but it isn’t handy so I will show you my crutches – they unfortunately are.



The knot(s) are simple half hitches, the white line side that spirals around is wrapped clockwise. (for those who might not be a knot head) – a half hitch is simply done by holding one end of the line under the thumb of your left hand, wrap the line around the pole or post, clockwise or counter clockwise depending upon which way you want the spiral to go, and then pass the line under then over the wrap when it passes your thumb and then repeat with the next wrap. Pull it tight against the direction of the wrap and the spiral will emerge. A good spiral will have an equal number of turns of line between each complete revolution of the spiral.


The red/white line is alternately reversed, that is wrapped clockwise then counterclockwise then clockwise. Spirals look good on poles, Straights are mostly used on wheels to keep your hand from slipping.
I finish with turks heads but you can finish with a tight knot that is soaked with glue, let it dry and trim off the excess. Turks heads are a lot harder for me to verbalize. And this wasn’t all that easy.
A final note, use soft line if your going to grip it and use sailing gloves to tie it if your hands are not used to rough work

[Derek Wenn]

Thanks for the advice. I will update the post when I decide what to do.

[Kelly Hanson East]

clockwise or counter clockwise depending upon which way you want the spiral to go

Of course this is dictated by your hemisphere...

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Derek, we installed a SS grab handle for boarding our X, and it's not all that difficult. I wish I had pics, but we had to drill one access hole to tighten the bolt against the interior SS back washer. The other hole already had a factory "plug" which was easily poped back into place when everything was tightened. The "plug" from drilling the access hole was simply replaced with adhesive silicone. It looks real good.
Getting aboard when the boat is in the water, or on the trailer, is made much easier.

[JonBill]

I installed this one with large ss screws and 3M 5200 and it ain't coming off no mattter how heavy the swimmer. It's on there. All that's needed is a drill, so no need to cut any access holes. One point worth mentioning is to put the ladder in the up position when you spot the handle location before you drill so the ladder doesn't interfere with the handle placement when it's up.

http://www.bwyachts.com/web%20catalog%2 ... handle.htm

Kind Regards,
JonBill

[Captain Kimo]

I went to my favorite supplier, Home Depot. Purchased their smallest bathroom shower bar recommended for the elderly taking showers. Was in a white enamel finish. Purchase clever devices in the same section for anchoring the two ends where you don't have access to the back as at the swim ladder port transom area.

Followed the directions. Only problem was in the lower anchor had to drill through to the second wall to have enough swing to have the backing plate swing up into position. Had water proof rubber seals on the exterior mounting plates as for the shower installation it was designed. Color blends is great with the white fiber glass. Able to lift my 250 lbs up the ladder.

I am sure I got the idea from one of the modifications listed here. As I only sail on Lake Mead, don't anticipate heavy corrosion problem

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

here's what i did.
used the standard MAC white plugs and slid a 1" wide x 1/8" thick stainless strip as a backing plate behind the handle, accessed thru the holes.



FYI...that's my previous Suzi 50 in the pic. have since upgraded to a Tohatsu 90.

Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

[Derek Wenn]

Wow, thanks for all the replys. I have new courage to move ahead with the installation. Derek

[Frank C]

Sorry for the late response, but I had trouble finding this picture.
The factory 26X already has an access hole right where the helm seat hinge was installed.
I just drilled another hole down low, easy access at the rear of the way-back.

This 24-inch SS handle, satin-finish, is from Home Depot's Shower & Bath aisle.
Unfortunately it's not made of the highest quality Stainless, but
a quick wipedown twice a year removes any light coating of rust.
The boarding ladder & its dedicated grab bar were installed by the MacDealer.

[captain Jack]

All great ideas. Where can I purchase the Macgregor white plugs? (new owner)

[Kilblaan]

I also would like to find a source for these 'white plugs'

I'm the owner of a 2001X and have a number of these white plugs missing throughout the boat.

I have a ss grab handle to install above the boarding ladder and intend to cut holes for access ... prior to cutting any access holes I'd like to know what sizes are available and where to find them.

Checked with a number of marine supply stores with no success ... my 2009 Mermaid Marine catalog has nothing!

[Sloop John B]

I picked up my white plugs at Home Depot. It appears to be a standard size.