What to do when the Ladder becomes an Obstacle?

When it's custom built and could be the difference of keeping ones boat for continued use, it could be argued it's priceless. Ages ago, several boats back, I had a full tower built by a couple guys that left Pipe Welders & went out on their own. They were like half the price yet still built a beautiful tower along with steering & controls. Only issue was they had no waterfront shop.