For a boat, some equipment is compulsory while other equipment is optional. The gangway falls into the latter category for some types of boats, while others are equipped with it from the factory. So some owners are tempted to look for one. But it is difficult to choose between the various models on the market.
What is the purpose of a boat gangway?
As the name suggests, a gangway is a tool that serves as a passageway. But since we are talking about boat equipment, it is mainly designed to connect the ship to the quay. The main purpose is to prevent pilots, passengers or crew from getting wet when embarking or disembarking.
You should also know that in general, the term gangway is dedicated to the category of pleasure boats that focus on the safety and comfort of passengers. This also explains the fact that in merchant or professional ships, the gangway is generally known as a staircase.
There is no lack of choice
The gangway is optional, especially for boats less than 15 metres in length, and is sometimes offered as an option, sometimes not. But in any case, you should know that there is no shortage of choice with over twenty models available on the market.
You can choose from over 250 versions of folding, fixed, swinging or inflatable walkways. In addition, the materials used are varied to meet every expectation with stainless steel, anodised aluminium, carbon or polybridge composite gangways.
How to make the right choice?
With so many models and versions to choose from, making the right choice for a walkway can be difficult. But with a little common sense, you can make the right choice. So, you should start with the selection criteria that will point you in the right direction, taking into account
- The purpose of the bridge;
- Mooring ports and possible tides.
- The materials used.
With regard to the first point, it is important to determine the main use for which the gangway is intended. For example, if you need a gangway that is long, wide and at the same time light and does not take up too much space on your boat, consider an inflatable gangway.
The fact is that it can be deflated for easy storage, especially as it rarely weighs more than 9kg, compared to over 40kg for others. In addition, its width, usually 70 cm, is well above the average of 40 cm, while it can support up to 200 kg.
If you are in a harbour that is exposed to tides, you should consider models that have an incline in the gangway and steps that can accommodate large variations. In this sense, note that a swinging gangway could also be suitable. This is because these models offer the possibility of turning them 180° or 360° horizontally and 60° (40° up, 20° down) vertically.
As for the materials used, stainless steel and anodised aluminium are known to be resistant to the marine atmosphere. Significantly heavier than the others, this type of gangway is best suited to larger boats. For smaller sizes, look at composite materials such as carbon fibre or polybridge composite.
In any case, don’t forget that the length of the gangway also plays a big part in your choice, noting that the models available range from 1.85 to 6 metres.
