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rwidman · 29-03-2015, 13:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErBrown

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

Yes, I was going to suggest bracing as well. The heavier they are, the more stable they will be. You could have cut all the pieces and then assembled them on the dock.

A handrail would be a nice addition.

davidgearhart · 11-04-2015, 14:02

I have made one set of steps and acquired 2 others from the marina in the past 5 years. I weigh 280 lbs., so stairs and I have an issue. Last year my brother-in-law suggested that I build a sling step for my 6 foot sides. I was not really interested in a sling step but when he said he would build it for me, I was all for it. It is 2 24"X12"X1" boards, that make a perfect 2 inch step glued together. 2 4 foot lines that go thru the step and attach to a clip on the sail runner. Perfect! cheap to build and has now lasted longer then any set of steps I have ever had. It also makes it easy to come inot a slip and step off. Hope you can use this idea for your boat. Fair winds and following seas.
David Gearhart S/V Denali ( a 32' Coronado sloop)