Tractor Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 I am looking for a short ladder to reach from the ‘flight deck’ of my trad narrowboat to the top of the sliding hatch. It would need to be narrow, ideally 200mm wide. I would be grateful for any suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 If your running against a bulkhead what about some fold down steps like.. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jumbo-Platform-Utility-Folding-Safety/dp/B00Y3GZEOO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tractor Posted July 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 No bulkhead to fix to, but look a neat solution, thanks for the response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 (edited) 3 minutes ago, Tractor said: No bulkhead to fix to, but look a neat solution, thanks for the response. You see a lot of toe steps on narrow boats like the below on the outside cabin. Depends where you want to put them I presume. https://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-sprung-folding-toe-step-chrome.html?sqr=n step& Edited July 2, 2018 by Robbo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGoat Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 23 minutes ago, Robbo said: You see a lot of toe steps on narrow boats like the below on the outside cabin. Depends where you want to put them I presume. https://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-sprung-folding-toe-step-chrome.html?sqr=n step& Is there no frame at the rear to hold the doors? I bolted a couple of the above steps to either side if the rear door frame and hop up using them... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Dog Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 I'm struggling to visualise a trad Narrowboat with no rear bulkhead or anywhere for one of those folding steps to fit. A photo might help to elicit better targeted suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tractor Posted July 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 I am looking for a ladder to rest against the sliding hatch, in the open position. With feet resting on the decking which covers the engine bay. This will give quick access to the roof of the boat for single handed operation. Fast securing points are not available without reworking the wood lining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tractor Posted July 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 I could fit steps to the rear, but skipping up a ladder from the inside, with the side rails to hold onto whilst on the way up feels better and easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Detling Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 Small aluminum step ladder, just cut the back bit off and bingo you have a ladder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tractor Posted July 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 That is the best option for me. Thankyou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Dog Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 16 minutes ago, Tractor said: I could fit steps to the rear, but skipping up a ladder from the inside, with the side rails to hold onto whilst on the way up feels better and easier. Now I get it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, Tractor said: I am looking for a ladder to rest against the sliding hatch, in the open position. With feet resting on the decking which covers the engine bay. This will give quick access to the roof of the boat for single handed operation. Fast securing points are not available without reworking the wood lining. With the foot of the ladder on the deck boards and the top resting on the open hatch the ladder will be at far too flat an angle to be safe. And how will you get in and out of the cabin with a ladder there? As has been said, a folding step on the cabin side is the normal solution. Assuming a steel cabin shell, these can be attached using suitable hollow anchor fixings if there is no access to the inside face of the steel. Edited July 2, 2018 by David Mack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Detling Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 I have seen it done, the top of the ladder was fastened onto the hatch runners with the ladder extending be about 2 foot above the roof. It meant the gent could climb easily and 'safely' onto the roof for singlehanding locks. Obviously you remove ladder and store on roof when accessing the cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stegra Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 Lots of ladders available for motorhomes, both for inside and out. Also for rear doors on vans. eBay will provide plenty of options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Harold Posted July 2, 2018 Report Share Posted July 2, 2018 Had an old wooden ladder in the garage for years.Sawed it half [about to six or seven rungs,] and skip onto the roof easily. When you want to go into the cabin simply turn the ladder sideways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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