Custom Yacht Fabrications: Tender Ladder and Boarding Solutions by All Points Boats
When it comes to yacht tenders in Fort Lauderdale, ensuring ease of access and safety is a top priority for boat owners. One of the most valuable upgrades you can make to your yacht tender is a custom tender ladder—designed not only for practical use but also for durability in the marine environment. At All Points Boats, we specialize in custom yacht fabrications tailored to meet the unique needs of yacht owners, from custom tender ladders and gates to complete sky lounge additions.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the fabrication and installation process of a custom tender ladder—designed to improve access to your yacht and tender from the beach or dock—and highlight the advanced engineering concepts that go into creating such a product.
Why Choose a Custom Yacht Ladder?
When you’re cruising in and around Fort Lauderdale or any other pristine beach area, having a reliable and sturdy yacht ladder is essential for safe and convenient boarding, whether you’re getting off the tender onto the beach or transferring between boats. A custom fabricated yacht tender ladder offers several advantages:
- Tailored Fit: A custom solution ensures that the ladder fits your specific yacht design and boarding needs. It also offers the availability to choose what finish you would like the ladder in, whether that be mirror-polished stainless, carbon fiber, or aluminum.
- Increased Durability: Custom ladders are built to withstand the harsh marine environment, providing long-lasting performance.
- Enhanced Safety: Features like reinforced structures, easy access, and modular designs enhance both safety and convenience.
The Custom Tender Ladder Design Process
At All Points Boats, our team specializes in custom yacht fabrications that are both functional and aesthetic. The project we’ll walk through involved adding a new tender ladder to the bow of the yacht—specifically designed for easy boarding from the tender to the beach. Here’s how we tackled the fabrication process.
1. Designing the New Entry Point
Originally, the yacht featured an entry point on the side, ideal for loading or unloading from a dock or another boat. The client wanted a more versatile solution, allowing for easier access to and from the tender, especially when landing on a beach. We added a boarding ladder on the bow, along with a teak platform positioned as the first or last step before using the ladder.
This addition made it possible to board the yacht directly from the tender or beach, greatly enhancing the yacht’s accessibility.
2. Modular Handrail System
One of the standout features of our custom tender ladder is the modular handrail system. The platform we created shares the same mounts as the existing boarding handrails, allowing the handrail to be easily removed or adjusted depending on the needs of the user. This flexibility adds value, especially when navigating different boarding situations.
Additionally, quick-release pins were incorporated throughout the design for tool-free installation, meaning the system can be set up or removed with minimal effort. Whether you’re using the ladder for a beach landing or boarding from a dock, this system provides convenience and adaptability.
3. Reinforced and Gusseted Baseplates
To ensure the ladder’s durability and stability, we replaced the original baseplates for the backrest railing with larger, stronger plates. We also gusseted the baseplates for additional strength. By reinforcing the foundation of the ladder, we ensured that it could handle heavy loads and regular use without compromising safety.
We then added backing plates underneath the baseplates to further distribute the load, stabilizing the entire system. This attention to detail ensures the ladder remains firmly in place, even in challenging conditions.
4. Custom Support Pole and Clevis Connection
The custom lower ladder support pole was another key element of this project. We designed this pole to attach securely to the yacht’s towing pad eye on the keel using a custom clevis. The support pole is pinned in place, ensuring it remains stable during use while providing a solid foundation for the ladder.
This setup ensures the tender ladder operates as a seamless extension of the yacht, without any wobbling or instability. It also provides peace of mind for yacht owners, knowing the ladder is securely fastened when in use.
5. The Final Steps: Platform and Testing
Once the structural components were fabricated and installed, we focused on the platform—the final step before boarding the ladder. This platform was designed for easy access, providing a stable and secure foothold when stepping onto the ladder.
Before handing the project over to the client, we conducted extensive testing to ensure everything was functioning as planned. From ladder stability to handrail adjustment, every component was checked for ease of use, safety, and reliability.
The Result: A Versatile, Durable Tender Ladder System
The custom tender ladder and boarding platform are now fully integrated into the yacht, providing a convenient and sturdy solution for beach landings and transfers to the tender. With its reinforced structure, modular handrail, and custom support pole, the system is designed to last, even under the rigors of frequent use.
For yacht owners looking to enhance their vessel with a custom yacht ladder or other custom yacht fabrications, All Points Boats offers the expertise and craftsmanship necessary to bring your vision to life.
Why All Points Boats?
At All Points Boats, we specialize in custom yacht fabrications that elevate your boating experience. Whether you need a particular tender ladder for your yacht in Fort Lauderdale or a fully customized boarding system, we’re here to deliver high-quality, functional solutions. Our expert team works closely with clients to design and build custom components that perfectly match their needs, enhancing both safety and convenience.
If you’re looking for a custom yacht ladder or any other custom yacht fabrications, contact All Points Boats today to get started on your next project.
About All Points Boats
All Points Boats is a leading provider of custom yacht fabrications in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. With years of experience in the marine industry, we specialize in designing, fabricating, and installing high-quality solutions for yachts and tenders. From custom tender ladders to complete boat refits, All Points Boats offers unparalleled craftsmanship and customer service to ensure your yacht is equipped for the best possible boating experience.