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What to do when the Ladder becomes an Obstacle?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by PtJudeRI, Jul 7, 2025.

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  1. PtJudeRI, Jul 7, 2025
    #1
    PtJudeRI

    PtJudeRI Senior Member

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    My father is going to be 77 this year. He is still super active, and routinely takes our 50' Post (co-owners) 80+ miles offshore to the NE canyons, all around RI/MA coastline, maintains his Captains license, etc. Boating has been mainly fishing related for the past 20+ years, and we have been all over the place making great memories and putting lots of fish on the deck.

    Now, with 3 generations, boating has changed its focus a bit, with me helping my dad squeeze all the fishing time in he can, and getting my wife and 9/7 year olds onto the water, playing with friends, and exploring new locales.

    The last two years, the flybridge ladder is becoming more of a challenge for my parents, and this season, once Dad gets up in the bridge, I haven't seen him coming down all that often. He has admitted as much, and we are looking at the next chapter of boating that will keep him and my mom (78) on the water as long as they would like.

    So the question: Whats a good compromise boat that has a pilothouse or lower station, 3/2 layout or better, 50-65 ish feet, nice cockpit that can serve for fishing and relaxing?? Personally, I would love a west coast style yachtfish like an elliott, but with an upper end budget of $600k or so, I don't think its in the cards.
  2. rtrafford, Jul 7, 2025
    #2
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Consider a Hatt Yachtfish? Older boats but generally very well built, reliable, hold value, desirable on a resale.
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  3. Capt Ralph, Jul 7, 2025
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    It reads like fishing is the heavy and interior cruising space is second.
    Time for an express with hand rails about.

    Were just back from 5+ weeks of cruising. Never went to the fly-bridge.
    It is coming off this fall or looking for another boat.
    I have discussed these thoughts on another thread.
    My synthetic hip and wife's synthetic knee don't allow us to crawl around like monkeys any more.

    An express offers just a few molded in steps to the helm from the cockpit, pending the mfg, just a few steps to the saloon and first head.

    I understand your thoughts. Tried to keep my pop involved.
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  4. PtJudeRI, Jul 7, 2025
    #4
    PtJudeRI

    PtJudeRI Senior Member

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    I have... I would be happier seeing the 58 as opposed to the 53. Slim pickings right now it seems.
  5. rtrafford, Jul 7, 2025
    #5
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    There are a few out there, but the 58's move quickly. It's a terrific combination of pleasures.
  6. Pascal, Jul 7, 2025
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    The 53YF looks a bit odd as it is chopped off to make space for the cockpit. Maybe I m just so used to the 53MY

    the 58 YF is a great boat but you d have to find one that has been well maintained and upgraded

    funny Ralph, I only used the lower helm for docking or if it s raining.
  7. ranger58sb, Jul 8, 2025
    #7
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Is it the steps? Or the ladder configuration and the climbing process? If the latter (almost a pun?) then maybe a staircase replacement might work instead? Same boat, reworked, perhaps circular? Or different boat...

    -Chris
  8. Hatterized, Jul 8, 2025
    #8
    Hatterized

    Hatterized Member

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    years back had a dock neighbor who basically retrofit a 61' or 65' Tollycraft to meet their mobility issues.
    stock boat was a fantastic platform for them , easy boarding via a rear cockpit with swim platform equipped, davit with a sling, ample space aboard, and added a dumbwaiter type lift in the salon to gain access to the extended upper deck. Boat had upper flybridge station and lower pilothouse station for bad weather.
    Sadly not many Tollycrafts were built or remain ~ while on a Med cruise maybe 15 years ago ~ actually saw this vessel looking in pristine bristol condition somewhere in Greece (Agean Sea)
    Best of luck in your search

    Scott
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  9. Pascal, Jul 8, 2025
    #9
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    We don’t have issues with ladders (yet…) but I have been looking at building stairs one day on my 53 Hatteras MY. There woudl be enough room without extending more than 6” beyond the ladder with minor surgery by extending the hole further forward and cutting the first step into the salon ceiling. A bit of glass work but no big deal. That’s my plan when the day comes.
  10. rtrafford, Jul 8, 2025
    #10
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    My 53C was built out using a custom stainless set of stairs left over from a much larger build. I found it through Sams and was able to modify the pitch while maintaining the polished finish. It made the transition to the bridge much easier, faster, safer.

    Attached Files:

  11. PtJudeRI, Jul 15, 2025 at 2:26 PM
    #11
    PtJudeRI

    PtJudeRI Senior Member

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    Thats a nice looking set of Stairs! Great Score!

    The issue on the 50' Post is the Steep ladder, especially in a seaway. My dad still likes to head offshore (80+ miles to the NE canyons) and once the motion kicks in, usability goes way down.
  12. PtJudeRI, Jul 15, 2025 at 2:28 PM
    #12
    PtJudeRI

    PtJudeRI Senior Member

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    Exactly that... Ladder steepness. We had thought about a spiral up to the FB, but its going to eat a ton of cockpit space, and the resale becomes an issue. I would have to convert back to make that a non-issue. Also, Marquipt isn't the cheapest show for a custom spiral staircase... who knew??!?
  13. rtrafford, Jul 15, 2025 at 2:38 PM
    #13
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I guess that my point of sharing was that perhaps the ladder could be repositioned and rebuilt in order to incorporate larger treads that would make it more user friendly at sea.
  14. SplashFl, Jul 15, 2025 at 11:57 PM
    #14
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    How bout custom built exterior elevator step ?
    ] Pipe Welders 3.jpg
    Pipe Welders 4.jpg
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  15. JWY, Jul 16, 2025 at 8:37 AM
    #15
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    Splash - thanks for sending the photos. I like to keep track of things that might help boaters with special needs and would appreciate your sending more information on this installation. It's brilliant!
  16. SplashFl, Jul 16, 2025 at 9:12 AM
    #16
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    The photos are on my HD from months past. I believe Pipe Welders on W. 84 built it. Noticed they've also made hydraulic outriggers I thought was kewl.
    Pipe Welders 1.jpg
  17. JWY, Jul 16, 2025 at 10:35 AM
    #17
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    I shoulda guessed it was Pipe Welders. Great job and thanks for passing it along.
  18. LuvBigBoats, Jul 16, 2025 at 3:53 PM
    #18
    LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    It's the lower station that makes it tough. Mikelson models starting around 2004 0r so have stairs from the cockpit to the flybridge that are a gamer changer compared to a ladder. Not sure how many they made with a lower station though. May want to give them a call since the manufacturer also has an active used brokerage.
  19. mapism, Jul 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
    #19
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    I'm lucky enough to have never had this kind of special needs, neither for myself, nor for boating mates - so far at least, fingers crossed! :)
    But I just wanted to second your comment, brilliant stuff indeed!
  20. PtJudeRI, Jul 17, 2025 at 4:26 PM
    #20
    PtJudeRI

    PtJudeRI Senior Member

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    That lift would be great! I think next steps are going to be touring a few different boats and trying a few things out. Stairs, larger steps/treads, a spiral staircase, and see if any are a real big difference.
    Im assuming that lift is big bucks.
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