[chuckg]

If all else fails, It is preferable to board a small boat, inflatable or rigid, over the transom as the boat is much more stable fore and aft than it it is athwartships. The one step ladder can definately be utilized to get in and out of a dinghy as it can be tied off to a seat and then stowed much more easily than a ladder with multiple steps. It is also much easier to step on than a rope with a bowline tied to the end.