Page 46 - Eric C. Fry - Knots and Ropework

25 The rope ladder 'knot' is actually the rung of a true rope ladder as
distinct from a pilot ladder which has rope sides and timber rungs.
It is efficient and most useful aboard small boats as it needs so
Rope Ladder little stowage space.
It can be made w ith twin ta ils at the top for making it fast. or as
Knot illustrated, made on the bight of a rope with an eye, seized in
position.
The illustrations commence with the top of the ladder and the
fi rst rung completed, and proceed to show the formation of the
second rung. This is repeated for as many rungs as required, the
'5' formation being made in alternate side ropes to keep the
finished ladder symmetrical.
The length of the rung and the number of turns employed is a
matter of choice and also depends on the size of the rope being
used. It is advisable to make the rungs only slightly w ider than the
human foot. If the ladder is w ider than is strictly necessary there
may be excessive sag in the rungs.