The flexible pontoon ladder
Outils Océans has developed a sound knowledge of boarding ladders, and has developed regulatory products to be installed on boats in the event of a man falling overboard. The Magic Reboard, installed on many boats, inspired managers at the Société Nautique de Genève to apply it to their pontoons. With this partner, Outils Oceans has developed a pontoon version of its Magic Reboard, specifically adapted for use in marinas in the event of a fall into the dock. After multiple trials in Geneva and Brest, several hundred copies of the final product have already been sold.
A compact, easy-to-install ladder
Stored folded in its bag, the ladder, with its reinforced rungs and flexible uprights, takes up very little space. The bag, suspended above the water, is bolted to the pontoon's shoreline profile, with a reflective plate making it clearly visible to those remaining on the pontoon. They can then quickly point it out to a boater who has fallen overboard, who can also spot it from the water thanks to its orange color.
Once at the foot of the ladder, the user simply pulls on a cord to deploy the ladder and climb back aboard independently. The ladder's geometry, optimized on the basis of experience gained in climbing aboard boats, complies with ISO 15085 and European directives, guaranteeing ergonomic use.
Safety and ergonomics of pontoons
Compared with traditional rigid ladders, the Magic Reboard flexible ladder offers advantages for both the boater and the marina operator.
Textile ladders are more durable and, thanks to their material, better able to withstand UV rays and the marine environment than their rigid metal or plastic equivalents. All that's required is occasional cleaning and checking of the release cords. As boaters no longer risk tying up to the ladder, the need to replace broken barrots is a thing of the past.
For the yachtsman, flush-mounting the ladder on the pontoon simplifies life on the quayside, leaving the way clear for mooring lines, electrical cables and water pipes. It's also easier to get down when maneuvering, with less risk of falling. As for the boat, it no longer risks being damaged by a ladder upright in the event of a manoeuvring error.
Technical and visual customization
Depending on the needs of the harbors, Outilsans is able to adapt ladder series not only to technical requirements, such as width or pontoon attachment systems, but also to marketing needs. The marina logo or specific messages can be inscribed on the ladder bag.
