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What to do when the Ladder becomes an Obstacle?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by PtJudeRI, Jul 7, 2025 at 11:09 AM.

  1. PtJudeRI, Jul 7, 2025 at 11:09 AM
    #1
    PtJudeRI

    PtJudeRI Senior Member

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    Location:
    Pt. Judith, RI
    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 at 2:50 PM
    #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.
    PtJudeRI likes this.
  3. Capt Ralph, Jul 7, 2025 at 3:12 PM
    #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 at 4:34 PM
    #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 at 4:44 PM
    #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 at 6:11 PM
    #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 at 7:54 AM
    #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 at 11:49 AM
    #8
    Hatterized

    Hatterized Member

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    Location:
    Annapolis & St. Pete
    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
  9. Pascal, Jul 8, 2025 at 1:27 PM
    #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 at 3:02 PM
    #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.

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