I also wanted to maintain the top rail strength as much as possible... (the lifeline continuity) so my first ideas were with some screw like mechanism in mind that would allow a sleeve to lock onto the rest of the pushpit top rail when down and closed. I have no problem with making that even "difficult to open," for safety reasons.

The ladder is pretty nice; it is quite robust. I spent time hanging on it last summer when we had a bit of a heatwave in the area. I would work on the varnish a bit (sanding) and then cool off with a plunge. I also discovered I could clear the barnacles off the speedometer impeller by just reaching for the impeller with my arm outstretched, head still above water.

It's a darn fun little boat.