Getting back into an inflatable

[wgkenney]

Hi all,

We have an 11 ft Achilles inflatble we use for our tender. It has a 9.8hp outboard so it has enough umph to pull a tube which the kids love to ride on. The only issue I have is getting them out of the water back into the tender as we change riders (usually we shift them right out of the tender to the tube, but we "miss" every now and then).

I get grab the kids and pull them in, but was wondering if there is some kind of net or ladder made specfically for tenders that aids in getting people in and out of the water.

Any help would be great.

[Allanbc]

A bit pricey but they do look nice.

Seafaring Up-N-Out Wide Step Boarding Ladder - $210.00 : Seafaring Ship's Store, Latitudes & Attitudes

[TQA]

I made one in an hour 3 slats with holes and some knotted rope. It lives in the dink [ Caribe C10 ] and is tied to the inside of the transom. I deploy it over one tube and have another knotted rope tied to the otherside of the transom to pull on.

I CAN just get back in to the dink with out it and was worried about maybe being tired or having a strained arm muscle and not managing it some day.

[jrd22]

Like TQA I made one but opted for the economy model, just two loops of line for two "steps". I may have to upgrade to the deluxe model and add slats!

[MJBrown]

Check either West or Defender. One of them has a plastic step with lines and clips on each end to attach to the dink. Works well and not too expensive.

[FlyNavy]

This might not work with your kids but If I remember right, the SEALs use a simple loop and a stick...just whiz by and scoop 'em right into the boat.

[Anaconda]

Originally Posted by wgkenney

Hi all,

We have an 11 ft Achilles inflatble we use for our tender. It has a 9.8hp outboard so it has enough umph to pull a tube which the kids love to ride on. The only issue I have is getting them out of the water back into the tender as we change riders (usually we shift them right out of the tender to the tube, but we "miss" every now and then).

I get grab the kids and pull them in, but was wondering if there is some kind of net or ladder made specfically for tenders that aids in getting people in and out of the water.

Any help would be great.

Please tell me that you TURN the motor OFF everytime you transfer the kids to and from the water. Hate the thought of the prop and child coming into contact.

[fallard]

There are a number of dinghy boarding ladders/straps out there. Besides West, you might check Defender. It might not matter with kids, but as you get older, it's nice to have a hand-hold.

[wgkenney]

Thanks all,

Looks like a simple homemade version my work fine. I'll play with some of the ideas you guys gave me here. I think I can fashion a rope ladder that work.

And yes, of course I turn the motor off when I pick up the kids.

[BoatingPoint]

Yea, the homemade should work great for you.