How tall of a step ladder for casting platform?

[Jeffrey]

I have a 1652 jon boat. I fish the shallow saltwater flats. I want to mount an aluminum ladder on the front deck for a casting platform. I want to be able to stand on the ladder on the rung that would allow for the top of the ladder to be about belly high. I am guessing that if I had an 8' ladder, I would be standing about 5' above the deck.

So the question, how high would I be able to stand before the stability of my boat became an issue? Should I get a 6' or 8' ladder?

 

[wihil]

I'd be real leery of using a regular ladder to cast from, even from dry land. On a boat, I'd for sure not want to be that far up in the air (8').

Something like a platform ladder might be a better option, figuring that a 6' ladder puts the platform at roughly 3.5' up from the deck and still has a stability bar at waist level should you need it. Hard part will be finding something that still keeps the weight down , and can pack away well.

Something like this:

https://www.woodcraft.com/product/2085176/42644/little-giant-flipnlite-6-platform-ladder.aspx

weighs about 14#'s, is aluminum, and could be quick mounted to a deck with a few lynch pins and and some brackets. That'd get me high enough to have a better view of what's going on and still be safe enough.

IMO.

 

[Jeffrey]

That would be a nice ladder to cast from. I like that platform, and I would be standing between the legs instead of outside of them.

 

[TNtroller]

What about a casting platform instead of a ladder? Do you need to be that high above the deck to accomplish your goal. I've pics of casting platforms like what the saltwater guys use on the flats boats, pretty sure the are removable, or could be made permanent if desired. They even have "poling platforms" which are higher and have a larger platform to stand on, which might be safer, more comfortable than a step ladder set up.

 

[Jeffrey]

TNtroller » 44 minutes ago[/url]"]What about a casting platform instead of a ladder? Do you need to be that high above the deck to accomplish your goal. I've pics of casting platforms like what the saltwater guys use on the flats boats, pretty sure the are removable, or could be made permanent if desired. They even have "poling platforms" which are higher and have a larger platform to stand on, which might be safer, more comfortable than a step ladder set up.

I can get higher with a ladder, plus I have something to lean into since I would not be standing on the top rung. Also cost less.

 

[Jonboat Jerry]

wihil » Yesterday, 20:02[/url]"]I'd be real leery of using a regular ladder to cast from, even from dry land. On a boat, I'd for sure not want to be that far up in the air (8').
Something like a platform ladder might be a better option, figuring that a 6' ladder puts the platform at roughly 3.5' up from the deck and still has a stability bar at waist level should you need it. Hard part will be finding something that still keeps the weight down , and can pack away well.
Something like this:

https://www.woodcraft.com/product/2085176/42644/little-giant-flipnlite-6-platform-ladder.aspx

weighs about 14#'s, is aluminum, and could be quick mounted to a deck with a few lynch pins and and some brackets. That'd get me high enough to have a better view of what's going on and still be safe enough.
IMO.

Very nice Wihil,
I had not seen that one, there are a lot of flats boats around here that could use this idea too.
It could be taken apart, shortened, and reassembled if needed.....Jerry

 

[Zum]

Personally,I think your looking for trouble or at least a swim
I'm not a heavy guy and standing 5' up,on a step ladder,on a boat,even in still water...sounds like a recipe to go for a dip.

 

[Jeffrey]

Zum » Today, 13:45[/url]"]Personally,I think your looking for trouble or at least a swim
I'm not a heavy guy and standing 5' up,on a step ladder,on a boat,even in still water...sounds like a recipe to go for a dip.

If the ladder is properly secured, it won't move. You can lean into the ladder. Shouldn't be a problem.