Imagine a warm Saturday evening at your local sailing club. Three boats motor out to the middle of the moonlit lake and raft up. The one in the middle drops its anchor to keep the raft in place. Everyone puts on a swimsuit and jumps over the side. The lake is fed by a river and you can feel the cool stream of water as it moves past your body. Once you are sufficiently cooled off, you swim up to the boat to get back in board and, looking up, see that the top of the transom looks as high as the Eifel Tower. How in the world are you going to pull yourself out of the water, over the side, and on board? No problem, you say. Well, if you haven't tried it you have no idea just how hard that act can be. This is particularly true for young children, and for older folks. And just to scare you some more, entire crews have succumbed to hypothermia after jumping over the side of a sailboat that drifted in a total calm in the middle of the ocean, just because no-body thought about a  boarding ladder or at least dropping a line over the side.   Boarding or swim ladders should be listed as necessities, not just to climb back on board after taking a dip, but also to have as means of getting crew back on board after getting in involuntarily. The issue is a bit less pressing on modern boats with built-in transom steps, but it is still a good idea to have at least a collapsible, removable ladder on board. Swim ladders come in a wide variety of styles but there are a few designs features to consider for usability and practicality, especially on a trailerable boat. Use ladders with hull stand-offs that provide more stability. There should be at least a couple of rungs extended down below the water surface, which makes it easier to get a foot on the bottom rung, to push the body weight up, especially for a fully clothed person who fell in the water. Many boats have folding boarding ladders attached to the transom. A folding ladder is an excellent solution to both routine and emergency re-boarding. Every high-sided boat should have grab rails or steps located at the transom. This will allow a person to hang on while re-boarding. If you thought this blog post was helpful or informative, stay tuned for more content on everything boat related. If you are looking for supplies for your boat, head over CLR Marine's product page for a list of high-quality boat supplies.

Sailboat Boarding Ladder Extensions On SALE!!!     Get your coupon here for 10% OFF our Sailboat Boarding ladders.  They are the best and safest way to re-board your boat after going out for a nice dip in the ocean!     They are made from a highly durable high-density UV-stabilized polyethylene.  And made right here in the USA!!! ??   Don't forget our rewards program.  For every $100 you spend you get $5 towards future purchases!!!

Emergency Boarding Ladder The Wichard Emergency Boarding Ladder design comes from an etrier, which is used in rock climbing. The emergency ladder is easy to use, considering it simply attaches to a strong base or even a cleat on a boat. It even has a glow-in-the-dark loop, that is exposed to the side of it, which can be easily pulled and ready in seconds. Features: Nylon webbing that is double-layered and able to withstand 6000 lb loads The rungs of the ladder are double-layered, which helps keep the ladder open and makes it easier for an individual to climb The forged shackle ensures the ladder is secured to where it's attached Comes packed in a 1000 denier Cordura bag that is ready to be mounted *Note: Wichard recommends owners have two Emergency Boarding Ladders, one for each side of the boat

Boarding Ladder Extensions for your Boat Extend Your Step the only boat ladder extension on the market

BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON OUR EXTEND YOUR STEP LADDERS !!   USE COUPON CODE: 2018LastSale , when checking out. While supplies last.         Extend Your Step offers a convenient and easy solution to increase the length of your ladder without major modifications or an expensive total replacement. It's compatible with many stock boarding ladders and takes just minutes to install.   At 10” wide and 24” long, it provides plenty of extra reach and is made to fit many types of boarding ladders. Made from premium high-density polyethylene, it is far superior than any type of rope ladder in terms of durability, sturdiness and simple convenience. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Extend Your Step features wide compatibility: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1”, flat or round.  It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. There's plenty of room for both of your feet on one step. Perhaps you won't need that much space; you can easily adjust Extend Your Step down in size with a hacksaw and Philips screwdriver as needed.   Extend Your Step makes it much easier to get on and off your boat in a variety of circumstances. There's no need to risk injuring yourself or others by relying on the shorter stock ladder of your boat. Some of the uses for either of the boarding ladder extensions is a boat swim platform ladder, or pontoon boat ladder extension.   ALL NEW – Extend Your Step Three   You asked for it – a longer and non-moving version of Extend Your Step. That's exactly what you get with Extend Your Step Three. When attached to the second step of your boarding ladder, Extend Your Step Three won't swing, while providing you with a convenient ladder extension. This ladder extension is 10” wide and 41” long and fits ladders with up to 1.25” rungs. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Enjoy the same boarding ladder compatibility and durability as Extend Your Step along with 3 additional steps. If you don't mind if it swings, Extend Your Step 3 will provide you with 3 additional steps on your boarding ladder, making it easier than ever to get on and off your boat in any circumstance.   Extend Your Step 3 features: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1.25”, flat or round. It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1.25” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. It can even be used as a boarding ladder for your dinghy.       Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates

CYBER MONDAY SALE ON OUR EXTEND YOUR STEP LADDERS !!   USE COUPON CODE: 2018LastSale , when checking out. While supplies last.         Extend Your Step offers a convenient and easy solution to increase the length of your ladder without major modifications or an expensive total replacement. It's compatible with many stock boarding ladders and takes just minutes to install.   At 10” wide and 24” long, it provides plenty of extra reach and is made to fit many types of boarding ladders. Made from premium high-density polyethylene, it is far superior than any type of rope ladder in terms of durability, sturdiness and simple convenience. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Extend Your Step features wide compatibility: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1”, flat or round.  It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. There's plenty of room for both of your feet on one step. Perhaps you won't need that much space; you can easily adjust Extend Your Step down in size with a hacksaw and Philips screwdriver as needed.   Extend Your Step makes it much easier to get on and off your boat in a variety of circumstances. There's no need to risk injuring yourself or others by relying on the shorter stock ladder of your boat. Some of the uses for either of the boarding ladder extensions is a boat swim platform ladder, or pontoon boat ladder extension.   ALL NEW – Extend Your Step Three   You asked for it – a longer and non-moving version of Extend Your Step. That's exactly what you get with Extend Your Step Three. When attached to the second step of your boarding ladder, Extend Your Step Three won't swing, while providing you with a convenient ladder extension. This ladder extension is 10” wide and 41” long and fits ladders with up to 1.25” rungs. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Enjoy the same boarding ladder compatibility and durability as Extend Your Step along with 3 additional steps. If you don't mind if it swings, Extend Your Step 3 will provide you with 3 additional steps on your boarding ladder, making it easier than ever to get on and off your boat in any circumstance.   Extend Your Step 3 features: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1.25”, flat or round. It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1.25” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. It can even be used as a boarding ladder for your dinghy.       Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates

Folding Ladder - 5 Step  These Portable Emergency Boarding Ladders are made of molded-in, high-visibility orange polycarbonate with nylon rope supporting the frame. They secure quickly to cleats, railings, stanchions and halyards and will support up to 300 pounds. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Folding Ladder - 4 Step  These Portable Emergency Boarding Ladders are made of molded-in, high-visibility orange polycarbonate with nylon rope supporting the frame. They secure quickly to cleats, railings, stanchions and halyards and will support up to 300 pounds. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Folding Ladder - 3 Step  These Portable Emergency Boarding Ladders are made of molded-in, high-visibility orange polycarbonate with nylon rope supporting the frame. They secure quickly to cleats, railings, stanchions and halyards and will support up to 300 pounds. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Rope Ladder Attwood's 5-step, white boarding ladder. Sturdy 11-3/4" blow molded steps, textured step surface and steps connecting by a nylon rope with a top loop to secure to a cleat or a railing. Features: Non-anodized aluminum tubing Polyethylene steps 11" hooks and support legs Folds flat for storage Sturdy 11-3/4" blow molded steps Textured step surface for sure footing Steps connected by a nylon rope with top loop that quickly secures to cleat or railing WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Dealer Special Purchase 3 two step and 3 three step EXTEND YOUR STEP Ladder Extensions There are (3) 3 steps individually packed and (3) 2 step individually packed in one shipment.   How to put the Extend Your Step together   How to use the Extend Your Step   Exclusively made for and sold by CLR Marine made in Springfield, Missouri

By now, the skipper in your life has probably dropped a few hints about holiday gifts. Was it the note left on the coffee pot about Articulated ABS Barrel Hinge foldable Aluminum Tubing? At first glance, one would have thought that the message was a reminder about being out of coffee filters. Then it comes back to you that there was a conversation in the car about GemLock Assembled Folding Struts.    Foldable aluminum tubing is one of the hottest trends in stainless steel hardware for marine canvas and solar panel frames. The tubing offers versatility in styling, high quality, and ease of use. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/manufacturers/g/gemini-marine.html   Back to your captain's holiday gift list. Was there a subtle hint, while you both were swimming off the boat, and your skipper showed concern that the transom ladder seemed a little short by a few steps? She would find getting out of the lake sooooo much easier if she didn't have to reach her foot up so far to the lowest step. She had also mentioned a discussion with other boat captains about the Extend Your Step, an easy-to-use boat boarding ladder extension. Several of her sailing buddies already have them and raved about the ease and portability. .   All of the products mentioned above are available at CLR Marine.com. How confident are the folks at CLR Marine about the Extend Your Step regarding ease in boarding and extending the ladder length? This product reflects the confidence and integrity of CLR Marine's owner, Chuck Reed. He invented the Extend Your Step! When shopping for the extending ladder, be sure to check out the Extend Your Step Three – a longer and non-moving version of the Extend Your Step! https://www.clrmarine.com/Boat-Boarding-Ladder-Extension   It's possibly time for your captain to give the best seat in the house – on your boat- an upgrade. There is no better place to watch the glint of the sun on the waves than in a stern perch seat. Stern rail seats are now available for older model boats, even pre-1993, and the seats are removable. https://www.clrmarine.com/sternperch-seats.html     Stocking Stuffers   Floatable key rings. If you are old enough to have keys, then you are old enough to lose keys. House keys, boat keys, car keys – when these fall into the drink and aren't retrievable, your boat outing takes a turn for the worse. Car key fobs are expensive to replace. Neon colored strong straps or carabiner clips offer added security against key loss. DryCASE Smartphone Case   The DryCASE waterproof cell phone case keeps your electronics protected, whether surfing, paddle boarding, or canoeing. The DryCASE uses vacuum seal technology to ensure a watertight seal every time. Best of all, you'll still be able to use your touch screen to text or make calls, and the crystal clear covering makes taking pictures a cinch. When you purchase the DryCASE you will also receive a small hand pump, neoprene armband, and a lanyard  $36.92. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/45443—drycase-smartphone-case.html   RAM Mount AQUA BOX Medium RAM AQUA BOX® cases provide sealed enclosure and protection for your handheld devices. The clear, touch through screen allows you to view your electronics and use their function keys while in place. There is even a place for a small lock to serve as a theft deterrent. The AMPS hole pattern on the back of the box allows this enclosure to be attached to many RAM mounting bases and kits. Ideally suited to Motorcycles and ATV's, the AQUA BOX keeps your portable devices safe, dry, and accessible $36.49.   Scotty 130 Paddle Safety Leash   Paddles, rods, nets, gaffs, and many other items can be secured while in use with the Scotty Safety Leash. Features include two extra strong Scotty 1009 swivel snaps; super-strong Flex Coil cord allows for maximum unrestricted movement and stretches to approx. 6'. Unit Includes two figure eight securing straps $11.99. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/37811--scotty-130-paddle-safety-leash-black.html Gifts under $30.00   Don't forget about covers for your water toys. The Dallas Manufacturing Co – Pedal Boat Cover will keep your pedal boat dry, dirt free, and protected from the sun when not in use. Features include 150 Denier Silver Polyester, fits both 3 and 5 Person Pedal Boats and is backed by a one year warranty $13.19.  https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/36879—dallas-manufacturing-co-pedal-boat-polyester-cover.html   Mustang Lil' Legends 70 Youth Vest -  Fluorescent Yellow-Green/Gray   Have guests arrived on your boat with a small young family member who needs a life vest? The Mustang Lil's Legends is a quality youth vest, and it never hurts to have a spare on board. It fits a child 50-90 pounds  $21.59.  https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/49897—mustang-lil-legends-70-youth-vest-50-90lbs-fluorescent-yellow-green-gray.html     Be good—Santa's watching. Stay healthy. Fair Winds. Smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com ______________________________________________________________________________ Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com     

HUGE SALE ON OUR EXTEND YOUR STEP LADDERS !!   USE COUPON CODE: 2018LastSale , when checking out. While supplies last.         Extend Your Step offers a convenient and easy solution to increase the length of your ladder without major modifications or an expensive total replacement. It's compatible with many stock boarding ladders and takes just minutes to install.   At 10” wide and 24” long, it provides plenty of extra reach and is made to fit many types of boarding ladders. Made from premium high-density polyethylene, it is far superior than any type of rope ladder in terms of durability, sturdiness and simple convenience. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Extend Your Step features wide compatibility: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1”, flat or round.  It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. There's plenty of room for both of your feet on one step. Perhaps you won't need that much space; you can easily adjust Extend Your Step down in size with a hacksaw and Philips screwdriver as needed.   Extend Your Step makes it much easier to get on and off your boat in a variety of circumstances. There's no need to risk injuring yourself or others by relying on the shorter stock ladder of your boat. Some of the uses for either of the boarding ladder extensions is a boat swim platform ladder, or pontoon boat ladder extension.   ALL NEW – Extend Your Step Three   You asked for it – a longer and non-moving version of Extend Your Step. That's exactly what you get with Extend Your Step Three. When attached to the second step of your boarding ladder, Extend Your Step Three won't swing, while providing you with a convenient ladder extension. This ladder extension is 10” wide and 41” long and fits ladders with up to 1.25” rungs. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Enjoy the same boarding ladder compatibility and durability as Extend Your Step along with 3 additional steps. If you don't mind if it swings, Extend Your Step 3 will provide you with 3 additional steps on your boarding ladder, making it easier than ever to get on and off your boat in any circumstance.   Extend Your Step 3 features: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1.25”, flat or round. It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1.25” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. It can even be used as a boarding ladder for your dinghy.       Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates

The weeks before Christmas are fleeting by and shopping for gifts can be a frantic time.  Let's be clear. Gifts for your skipper don't have to be for Christmas or Hanukkah. During these winter months, it is prime buying time for boat products, so you can take advantage of Black Friday sales, and to peruse boating catalogs while you are sitting by a warm fire. Gift Ideas Give it some thought. Maybe it is a gift for the captain, but also something that will make your own life better on the high seas. Does it ever annoy you that swim ladders seem about two rungs too short? Take a look at the CLR Marine Extend Your Step Ladder. It adds several rungs to your existing swim ladder, and hangs on the bottom most rung. It lengthens your ladder by several additional rungs. Extend Your Step stays right on your boarding ladder, so you never need to store it.     While you are sailing, at some point you have to drop anchor, or tie up to a dock. It may be raining, so what better way to sit out a storm, or catch up with your favorite football game, than a Jensen 19" 12 volt television.      No guilt allowed about  closing the hatches or watching some late night television while you are anchored. The 19" LED DC TV packs a punch with an integrated HDTV tuner and JCOM, allowing it to communicate with your Jensen HDMI-equipped stereos.    Maybe it's time to treat yourself to some updated foul weather gear. Onyx 7501 Flotation Jackets and First Watch H20 Flac jackets are popular  this season.The Onyx 7501provides better hypothermia protection than a traditional, vest style life jacket in colder water conditions. The First Watch H20 Flack jacket is engineered for warmth, breathability and rugged performance.     While most fishermen prefer to pick out their own rod and reel, a great gift to compliment the pole is an organizational bucket for lures, tools and line. Wild River Rigger 5 Gallon Bucket has many compartments to keep a fisherman organized while casting.     It doesn’t matter who cooks the grub for the crew, but it makes lots of sense to keep the cook happy. Why not outfit the galley with new cookware, or an updated stern grill. Everything a galley cook needs is in the full set of Magma Nesting 10-Piece Induction Compatible Cookware with its Magma Red Exterior & Slate Black Ceramica Non-Stick Interior. All ten pieces are easy to store. A Magma Chef’s Mate gas grill is easy to install, is transportable, and folds away for easy storage. It excels with equal heat distribution. Making the skipper happy with some new tools and gear is fodder for a great sailing season.   Enjoy the holidays.   Fair Winds and Smooth Sailing. All items listed above are available at www.clrmarine.com .   Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past-Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 - Chicago region.   ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.

  Our last two blogs dealt with pets on board for both day trips and extended range cruising. But, what about those unwanted furry or scaled visitors that board your boat with no invitation? It happens. Many a skipper has come on deck, and to their surprise, a sea lion, raccoons, or even a black bear is suddenly part of your crew.   In 2018, in the North Channel of Lake Huron, just over the southern border of Canada, a 250-pound black bear boarded four boats over three days. How did he get onto the boat? Why up the swim platform, of course!    Skipper Brian Laux, down below on his cruiser, Serenity, was cooking a bass he had caught earlier. Hearing scratching noises on deck, he went up top and spotted a black bear in the water, attempting to climb up the side of his boat. The bear swam away but came back a second time. Laux poked the bear in the nose with a boat hook, and the bear retreated.   The Serenity wasn't the only floating destination for the black bear. The bear had already made himself at home and ransacked a boat named Carandy. The swim ladder was down, and the owners were out kayaking. When they returned, the bear was inside ripping up the cabin. The owner banged on the hull, and the bear left and swam to the island. Later, the bear returned and tried to climb on the boat from the bow. The owners whacked it on the nose with a boat hook, and it left.   Skipper Dennis Kirkwood, moored in the same area as the previous skippers, around midnight heard a thumping and scratching noise under the stern of his catamaran. He suspected that the source was the bear. The skipper ran out, grabbed a whisker pole, and started clanking it around. The bear stayed under the swim platform, between the two hulls. The bear had knocked out the floor plate, and its paw was coming up through the opening.    Kirkwood switched to his wooden oar to hit the bear's paw. The bear pulled its paw back but remained under the platform. Kirkwood said that the extreme darkness of night added to the severity of the chaos. Despite Kirkwood's efforts, the bear stayed in place.   Kirkwood then tried blowing his air horn and continued to poke through the opening to encourage the bear to leave, but it stayed put. That was a surprise, as Mr. Kirkwood understood bears usually scatter upon hearing loud noises. Kirkwood continued to poke at the bear with his oar, with the result that the bear left.   A fourth sailor in the same area was confronted with a bear on his boat, even though the boat's swim ladder was up. The bear climbed the stern and appeared in the cockpit. The skipper and the bear came within 18 inches of each other. Even though the skipper began screaming and making noise at the bear, the bear seemed to ignore the disturbance. The skipper shone his spotlight into its eyes and sounded his foghorn, but the bear stayed put. It wasn't until another sailor, moored nearby, heard the commotion and came over in his dinghy. The bear left once he heard the approaching dinghy.   Although these bear events happened two years ago, they bear repeating! The same bear rule applies whether on land or sea. Don't position yourself between a bear mama and her cubs. You will not win.   Bears, sea lions, and whales are animals of strength and great weight. If it comes to hand to hand combat in a dangerous situation, the human will most likely lose. A bear on a boat is a threat to person and property. 911 must be called.     Non-emergencies Call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 ( TTY 705-945-7641 )    Be prepared. Bear spray, flare guns, and your boat hook can be your part of your defense arsenal. If you are planning to have firearms on your boat, be very familiar with gun law regulations. You must also follow the specific laws and regulations of the countries you are in. Most countries will not allow you to transport a firearm from one country to another.       Sea Lions     There are a lot of cute videos on YouTube of sea lions loading themselves onto swim ladders while powerboats are operating. In some, the passengers on the boats are feeding the lions. Think about this. A sea lion can weigh anywhere from 580 to 1,200 lbs. You wouldn't want a human passenger weighing this kind of weight on your 25' Sea Ray. Why invite or entice an animal- that could be injured in the process, and that could possibly sink your boat – to be part of your voyage? Don't be an idiot on the water. If you see sea lions or manatees near your boat, steer clear of them in the best and safest possible way.   Raccoons   Boats moored at harbor docks can be an attractive nesting place for raccoons. They get into the vessel's cabins through open or unlocked windows, open companionways, and unlocked deck hatches. Consider that once inside, if the raccoon has entered through a window, they fall into the cabin and can't get out.   When a raccoon is in a boat's cabin, food isn't their only form of entertainment. They chew up and tear cushions, pillows, and cabinets. They also leave urine and feces throughout the cabin. Not a welcome sight when you return to your boat.   Most raccoons are rabid, so don't go near them. Call your local animal/game commission to remove them. When cleaning up after raccoons, wear gloves, masks and long sleeved clothing. Wash all surfaces and floors with strong antiseptic cleaner.   In any unwanted animal situation on your boat, do your best not to approach the animal. If it is a life or death situation, then use the best force possible to getaway. You want your boating experience to be as safe and as fun as possible.   Fair winds. Smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. ______________________________________________________________________________   Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com