don't worry, most people are tightwads here one time or another


yes big issue. discussed in detail here, try searching

but from my exp, rope ladders don't work as well as you would think (or need lots of practice) becuase they simply push under the beam and are not much help, plus need special storage

righting line with knots are a little help but not all that helpful

I have found location location location is key (where on the boat you try to get back on from)

front beam - almost impossible on my boat, saps all my remaining strenght

rear beam - impossible

solution for me on my boat ... aft of the shrouds, I "jump" up a little and grab my trap handle. use this to anchor and lift a foot/feet up near the rear beam (least freeboard area) and then lift my waist / torso up using my feet and hands (still on trap handle)

in a pinch, if you can get to it your jib sheet can assist too