Please everyone wear you PDF's

[LD Fisher]

Vernon, I hear what your saying.  I did some research and determined that the All Aboard ladder was what I needed.....and I ordered a custom 3 three step version that attaches to my talon bracket and extends 28 to 30 inches into the water from the bottom of the bracket.  At 67 with two artificial hips I wanted to make sure it was deep enough, ridged enough and strong enough for me to grab the rails and talon on the back to get back in. And as Bo said, I plan to test it before the water really gets cold!!!

[vernon]

11 hours ago, LD Fisher said:

Vernon, I hear what your saying.  I did some research and determined that the All Aboard ladder was what I needed.....and I ordered a custom 3 three step version that attaches to my talon bracket and extends 28 to 30 inches into the water from the bottom of the bracket.  At 67 with two artificial hips I wanted to make sure it was deep enough, ridged enough and strong enough for me to grab the rails and talon on the back to get back in. And as Bo said, I plan to test it before the water really gets cold!!!

Not too sure what I'm gonna do until I talk to the folks at Ranger.  As I mentioned previously, I can't believe that no one else has encountered this problem and I doubt they kept it a secret.  While obviously safety always comes first, I'd rather not have a couple of dozen holes drilled in the back of a brand new boat if it can be avoided.  Don't imagine duct tape would look that attractive either!

I don't have talon's and although I've seen the ladders that bolt to the jack plate, I again would rather not have a mish mash of hardware (i.e., two ladders) hanging off the back end.  I'm hopeful that Ranger has a solution that won't compromise the appearance of the boat.

I hope the one you ordered works out for you.  You're right about getting that "test" out of the thinking stage before that water temp starts to drop!  I think we've achieved that certain status in life where what was once considered "exhilarating" might now just kill us!  I, for one, hope to die warm!

[Macsimus]

23 hours ago, vernon said:

Not too sure what I'm gonna do until I talk to the folks at Ranger.  As I mentioned previously, I can't believe that no one else has encountered this problem and I doubt they kept it a secret.  While obviously safety always comes first, I'd rather not have a couple of dozen holes drilled in the back of a brand new boat if it can be avoided.  Don't imagine duct tape would look that attractive either!

I don't have talon's and although I've seen the ladders that bolt to the jack plate, I again would rather not have a mish mash of hardware (i.e., two ladders) hanging off the back end.  I'm hopeful that Ranger has a solution that won't compromise the appearance of the boat.

I hope the one you ordered works out for you.  You're right about getting that "test" out of the thinking stage before that water temp starts to drop!  I think we've achieved that certain status in life where what was once considered "exhilarating" might now just kill us!  I, for one, hope to die warm!

Vernon, this is the one I have on my boat and I really like it because it is adequate for getting back in the boat and not a "mish mash of hardware" as you so aptly described most of them. It's called the E-Ladder and it bolts to either the jack plate or motor. The red dot towards the bottom is a spring-loaded pin that when pulled allows the ladder to drop down about a foot. Some upper body strength is still required of course as you have to grab onto something on the transom to help hoist yourself in. The comment made that this should be practiced is a great one! Getting out with just a bathing suit on is one thing, but, getting out fully clothed with a rain suit or other heavy clothing on is quite another. Falling into the water fully dressed brings on a sense of panic as it's very difficult to move in the water and the wet clothes add a lot of weight when trying to get out of it. I saw a guy fall out of a boat during an early spring trip to Sturgeon Bay (water temps in the 50s). The boat was still tied to the dock which was a good thing as it took 2 guys to haul him in. 

 

 

 

[rainbow]

On ‎9‎/‎28‎/‎2016 at 5:55 AM, Champ188 said:

Just bought one of the good Cabela's inflatables. Trying to get used to wearing it full time.

Champ, just keep wearing it you will forget its even on.  I bought their top end auto inflate also last year and wear it whenever I am on the boat.  I wore it all this summer in the heat and it does not bother me.  Very light weight and good air circulation so stick with it and you be fine.

[vernon]

33 minutes ago, Macsimus said:

Vernon, this is the one I have on my boat and I really like it because it is adequate for getting back in the boat and not a "mish mash of hardware" as you so aptly described most of them. It's called the E-Ladder and it bolts to either the jack plate or motor. The red dot towards the bottom is a spring-loaded pin that when pulled allows the ladder to drop down about a foot. Some upper body strength is still required of course as you have to grab onto something on the transom to help hoist yourself in. The comment made that this should be practiced is a great one! Getting out with just a bathing suit on is one thing, but, getting out fully clothed with a rain suit or other heavy clothing on is quite another. Falling into the water fully dressed brings on a sense of panic as it's very difficult to move in the water and the wet clothes add a lot of weight when trying to get out of it. I saw a guy fall out of a boat during an early spring trip to Sturgeon Bay (water temps in the 50s). The boat was still tied to the dock which was a good thing as it took 2 guys to haul him in. 

 

 

 

I think I remember hearing about this one and looked it up on the manufacturer's website.  It appears to be quite sturdy and is certainly the most discreet I've seen regarding its design. Short of installing a hydraulic hoist (hmmm?) I imagine all of them require a bit of strength but (thankfully) that's not yet a problem for me.  But I swear Michael Phelps would struggle climbing back up that danged Ranger ladder.

I can only imagine how quickly panic could set in when one is struggling in cold water.  While I was far from panicked, I do have to say it's the first time that I was ever in a position in the water where I realized that my mind was beginning to go too fast as I knew I only had the strength and endurance for one more try.  As this was in 83 degree water, my wife was safely in the boat and we were less than a hundred yards from shore speaks volumes about how fast things can happen and get out of control.  

I agree that the "practice" deal is essential in order to gain the confidence that one needs to remain calm in an otherwise stressful situation.  It's one of the biggest reasons that police, military and first responders train and train and train.  Or practice, practice, practice.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.  I'll certainly keep it in mind going forward.

[vernon]

21 minutes ago, rainbow said:

Champ, just keep wearing it you will forget its even on.  I bought their top end auto inflate also last year and wear it whenever I am on the boat.  I wore it all this summer in the heat and it does not bother me.  Very light weight and good air circulation so stick with it and you be fine.

This probably sounds (or is) pretty stupid but I actually wore mine around the house and while doing chores outside for a couple of months just to kind of condition myself to having it on.  For what it's worth, I think this really helped me to get over whatever mental hurdle I seemed to be dealing with that kept me from keeping it on in the boat.  Well, that and tan lines of course.

Wear that baby Champ!  Especially if you've read my posts about that stupid Ranger ladder.  I'm pretty sure that yours has the same kind and about all its good for is something to hang on to until hypothermia sets in!  Think "Titanic".

[176champion]

I wear my inflatable all the time while on the water ...i have the Onyx 24 manual / automatic...i'll probably wear my other vest style PDF in the winter as it will help keep me warm...