Dock steps are expensive

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by FamilyVan

I don't like step stools. If you get off balance and cross load them they'll break, if not properly screwed down, they slip they slide. They have a very small foot print. For regular use I recommend proper stairs, either purchased or built.

I agree. Remember that the boat (and the dock) may be rocking while you're trying to board, often with a bag or two of groceries or supplies. And it may be raining.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by jeepbluetj

I made a set from Home Depot fake trex. (fake fake wood? Whatever the non-trex brand stuff is that HD had in stock.)

I had a set of speakers in College that had a sticker on them proclaiming that they were made from "Genuine Simulated Walnut"
Which I guess is genuine fake wood, close to fake, fake wood?

[Orion Jim]

Here's mine. This photo was taken a few years ago. It now has non-skid tape applied to the steps. It's all pressure treated with galvanized screws. Weighs about 40 pounds so it stays put. Cost about 30 bucks.
Dock boxes are also outrageous. Mine is made by Rubbermaid and is intended for domestic use. Cost about 800 bucks less than an heirloom fiberglass dock box. Security is not a concern in my marina so the Rubbermaid box is sufficient.

[neptunesjester]

I've always just built my own stairs from risers and some lumber. Got tired of building new stairs as I moved around to different marinas due to hurricanes or as places sold out to condo developers, so I made an adjustable ramp that folds up flat under the handrail and travels with me.

It attaches on either the port or starboard gangway and has quick release pins to detach from the hull mounting brackets if you want to leave it on the dock. The idea should work for both sail and power boats.

The ramp makes it easy for an elderly friend to get on and off the boat.




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[jmadenwald]

Little Giant 3-step system, from Amazon, $106. They are very sturdy, & can fold up & stow.

[Mark Stillwell]

We have a step that attaches to the toe rail from West Marine. Simple, easy to use. We can move from side to side...port side in slip, starboard side at marina to pump out. I just have to remember to pull it inboard so it doesn't catch on the slip pole as we leave....or return.

See picture of step attached at gate stanchion.

We saw it at WM and I planned to go home and make one, but Admiral bought it on the spot. Best $50 I've spent recently.

DOYLE MARINE QuickStep Boarding Steps | West Marine

[Formosa46AK]

Have a brother who can build one out of cedar scrap. Cost zero, lasts forever.

[ErBrown]

Yeah after further thought. I think I'll just build one and will probably just stick with the cheapo pressure treated lumber that lasts forever and weighs a ton. I still like the idea of the plastic horse boarding blocks from tractor supply and may still check these out since I know they're sturdy. If cheap enough that's an option, otherwise I think it's wood, genuine, imitation, fake err something along those lines. The main thing we're going for here is easy boarding and super sturdy. Last weekend could have been much worse than a bloody nose for our friend...not again.

-EB

[Robin3]

Originally Posted by Mark Stillwell

We have a step that attaches to the toe rail from West Marine. Simple, easy to use. We can move from side to side...port side in slip, starboard side at marina to pump out. I just have to remember to pull it inboard so it doesn't catch on the slip pole as we leave....or return.

See picture of step attached at gate stanchion.

We saw it at WM and I planned to go home and make one, but Admiral bought it on the spot. Best $50 I've spent recently.

DOYLE MARINE QuickStep Boarding Steps | West Marine

Those are good as are the Fender steps except as someone else pointed out you need somewhere to clip/tie them to. In our case we have a very pretty varnished teak rail but sadly not the aluminium toerail we had on an earlier boat with slots to attach stuff to. I would prefer the practicality of aluminium over the pretty of teak, but hey that is the way it goes..

[ErBrown]

Well, here's what I ended up doing. Nothing fancy but they're solid, functional and much cheaper. Will be taking them down to the boat next weekend.

[FamilyVan]

I'll make recommend a modification if you don't mind. Run a brace on either side from the vertical 2x4 at the back to the prefab risers at the front.

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[monte]

Good idea, then you can hang if over the dock a few inches if need be
Edit. While your at it, trim the bottom of the string so the riser sits in flush, or better yet, sits in at least and inch for a toe space, they're a bit dangerous as is for anyone expecting a normal stair feel and someone's sure to catch there heel on the riser heading down. Sorry to be a party pooper perfectionist but it's a 5 minute job.

[ErBrown]

Originally Posted by FamilyVan

I'll make recommend a modification if you don't mind. Run a brace on either side from the vertical 2x4 at the back to the prefab risers at the front.

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Yeah I had been kicking this around already and reading your comment cemented that change in my mind. Went ahead and did that as well as a 2x4 spacer between the the two vertical 2x4's so they're braced on both axis.

They're pretty freaking heavy and if I had it to do over again I'd probably make them 18" wide vs the 24" they are now, both to cut down on weight and provide a little more room on the finger pier to pass. Fortunately the piers at the marina are fairly wide so I think they'll be ok. I wasn't going for pretty, I was going for solid, stable and cheap and these meet those criteria.

Thanks for all the feedback folks.

Much appreciated,
EB

[Nicholson58]

This is probably not enough lift but we find it useful as a foot rest at the throne. It is the right height also for reaching the high points in the Solon. Fold-away handle. We use it on deck sometimes too. I thing Fischer-Price at Kids-R-Us. There may be other heights.

[Tbrad]

Originally Posted by Clipper4730

Here are some pics I think

Man o man! That ain't a fixture; that's a work art!