Hydraulic Plattform Ladder
A ladder that is visible on the transom when it is not being used is a ladder that occupies visual space permanently. On a yacht where every design decision is deliberate, a fixed or manually deployed ladder represents a compromise between access and aesthetics.
The H+B technics Hydraulic Platform Ladder resolves that compromise. When retracted, it disappears completely into a compact stainless steel cassette integrated into the platform structure — flush, invisible, and occupying no external footprint. When needed, a single button press deploys the full ladder in one smooth hydraulic movement. One button to deploy. One button to retract. The cassette closes automatically.
The ladder disappears when you don't need it. Completely.
The Hydraulic Platform Ladder retracts into a stainless steel cassette measuring 180 × 87 × 25 cm. In the retracted position, the cassette face is flush with the platform surface — the ladder is not visible, does not protrude, and does not interrupt the visual line of the transom. From the exterior, the platform looks like a platform. The ladder is not there.
When the button is pressed, the hydraulic mechanism deploys the ladder from the cassette to the fully extended position in a single, continuous movement. The 140 cm ladder length provides comfortable step spacing at the deployed angle. The deployment movement is smooth and quiet — the hydraulic drive prevents the jerky or uncontrolled extension that characterises spring-loaded or gravity-deployed systems.
When the ladder is retracted, the cassette closes automatically. The auto-close function means the cassette lid returns to the flush position as soon as the ladder is fully retracted — no manual lid operation required, no risk of leaving the cassette open, and no visual interruption to the platform surface when the ladder is not in use.
45° up, 68° down. The ladder reaches where it needs to reach.
The ladder pivots on a hydraulically controlled axis with a total swing range of 113° — 45° upward from horizontal and 68° downward. This range accommodates the full variation in platform height above water encountered across yacht sizes and load conditions, and allows the ladder to be positioned at the optimal entry angle regardless of the platform height.
The hydraulic control means the ladder angle is not fixed — it can be stopped and held at any point in the swing range. If the platform is high above the water line, the ladder can be angled steeply downward for a comfortable reach to the water. If the platform is close to the water, a shallower angle provides more comfortable step spacing. The operator adjusts the angle using the same panel or remote that controls deployment.
The sensor monitoring system tracks the ladder position throughout operation and enforces the travel limits at both ends of the swing range. The auto-close function is also sensor-triggered — the cassette lid closes automatically once the ladder position sensor confirms the ladder is fully retracted, without requiring a separate close command from the operator.
The steps are there when you need them. The handrails are there when you want them.
The Hydraulic Platform Ladder is configurable with up to 7 steps. The step count is defined during the engineering phase based on the platform height above water in the yacht's normal operating condition — the ladder is sized to reach the water surface comfortably from the specific platform geometry of the installation.
The Safe Working Load of 150 kg applies to the ladder in any deployed position. The structural frame, step treads, pivot mechanism, and cassette mounting are all rated for this load at the full swing range. The load rating is verified by structural calculation during the engineering phase and confirmed in the documentation delivered with the system.
Removable handrails are included as standard. The handrails attach to the ladder frame at the upper steps and provide a grip point for boarding from the water — a position where balance and grip are most critical. The handrails are stainless steel and removable for storage or when they are not required for a specific boarding configuration. Their attachment points are flush with the ladder frame when the handrails are removed.
Visual overview
See the Hydraulic Platform Ladder from all angles — the cassette integration in the platform, the deployment sequence, and the ladder at full extension with handrails fitted.
Technical Specifications
The Hydraulic Platform Ladder is configured for the specific platform height, step count, and installation geometry during the engineering phase. All components are electropolished AISI 316L stainless steel.
CASSETTE DIMENSIONS
180 × 87 × 25 cm. Integrates flush into platform structure. Cassette face matches platform surface finish. Auto-close lid returns to flush on ladder retraction.
LADDER LENGTH
140 cm. Step count configurable up to 7. Step count defined during engineering phase based on platform height above water.
SWING RANGE
113° total. 45° upward from horizontal, 68° downward. Hydraulic control allows ladder to be stopped and held at any angle within the range.
SAFE WORKING LOAD
150 kg. Applies at any position within the full swing range. Structural calculation provided in engineering documentation.
AUTO-CLOSE
Cassette lid closes automatically on full retraction. Sensor-triggered — no separate close command required. Lid returns to flush position.
"The lifts are not just functional — they match our design and standards. With H+B, it feels more like a team than a supplier relationship."
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about the Hydraulic Platform Ladder.
Yes. The cassette is designed to integrate into existing platform structures as well as new builds. The retrofit feasibility depends on the available structural depth in the platform to accommodate the 25 cm cassette depth. H+B technics assesses the platform drawings during the engineering phase and confirms compatibility before fabrication.
The ladder is configurable with up to 7 steps. The specific step count is defined during the engineering phase based on the platform height above water in the yacht's normal operating condition. The step count is set to ensure the bottom step reaches a comfortable boarding height above the waterline.
When the ladder is retracted — either by the panel or the wireless remote — the hydraulic mechanism retracts the ladder fully into the cassette. Once the position sensor confirms the ladder is fully home, the cassette lid closes automatically without any additional input from the operator. The lid returns to the flush position and the platform surface is restored.
The ladder angle adjustment is intended for positioning before boarding — setting the optimal angle for the current platform height and water condition before descending. Adjusting the angle while a person is on the ladder is not the intended use. The 150 kg SWL applies to the ladder in any fixed deployed position.
No. The handrails are removable and their use depends on the boarding configuration. For boarding from the water, handrails at the upper steps significantly improve grip and safety. For stepping off the platform to a tender or shore, handrails may not be required. The attachment points are flush with the ladder frame when the handrails are removed, maintaining the clean visual line of the ladder.
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Customization option
Tailored solutions perfectly suited to your needs. At H+B technics, we not only offer our proven products but also the opportunity to customize them according to your specific requirements. Our experienced team is ready to support you in developing and realizing bespoke products for your yacht or project, always with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and precision.
Whether it’s special dimensions, functions, or an entirely new design, we bring your vision to life. Rely on our expertise and let’s make your ideas a reality together.
Jan Olfenbüttel
Head of Sales & Marketing
Start your project
The Hydraulic Platform Ladder is configured for your platform height, step count, and installation geometry. Share your platform drawings and we support you from the first concept to the finished installation.
