Boarding Steps

[AllanY]

My boat has a lot of freeboard (about 3 ft above marina pontoon) and as such I need a set of step to get aboard from the marina pontoon

At the moment I have a set of wooden steps that are very heavy with a step at 1 ft and 2 ft

I am looking for something portable that I can take with me and use at other marinas

What do others use inthe way of steps that are light and portable??

*

Allan

 

[bobofthenorth]

Ours is maybe a bit more elegant than this one but same general principle:

West Marine gunwale ladder

 

[healhustler]

We carry around these really light weight plastic steps....also is available with a decent handrail, but I wouldn't recommend it for persons that are not stable in walking unless you bolt it down. Not sure if something like this is available down under though.


(url)ttp://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path= 1%7C10391%7C296895%7C299253&id=1256109

-- Edited by healhustler on Friday 6th of May 2011 08:04:22 PM(/url)

-- Edited by healhustler on Friday 6th of May 2011 08:07:44 PM

 

[Doc]

Go ahead and bite the bullet for a Marquipt Tide Rider. It won't hurt but for a few years. :--)

 

[Tidahapah]

Allan,
There is a neat little aluminium step ladder with big treads.
I think it is called a gorilla and Bunnings probably stock it.
If I can track it down I will let you know.
Heading back to TCB on Tues. May be with the gardner.

 

[AllanY]

Thanks Benn

I will be down Monday week

I hope the weather is better than it has been.

If you find a suitable ladder in your travels I can go via Hervey Bay and pick one up

Allan


-- Edited by AllanY on Friday 6th of May 2011 09:50:21 PM

 

[Keith]

Easiest solution is a little folding stepladder, 3-4 steps. Stable, safe, easy to pack. Inexpensive compared to the marine versions.

 

[FF]

Find a steel "milk crate".

 

[AllanY]

FF

Unfortunately a milk crate is a bit small
If you look at the steps in the picture i posted the top step of the boarding steps is 2 ft and there is nearly another foot to the deck
A small step ladder is probably the answer i just need to find one with reasonable size treads

Allan

 

[jleonard]

The previous owners had a 2 step plastic unit that works pretty well. I only use it for launch day and haulout day. They formed an eye around one of the supports so there's a permanent 3/8 line and they tied that to one of the rails so they wouldn't lose them. Not too bad for being portable.

At my summer marina I use a home made storage/step unit that is fiberglassed over and painted..too heavy to be portable though.

 

[Tidahapah]

Allan,

This is what you are looking for.

Now to find where to get it.

http://www.blythenterprises.com.au/little_jumbo.htm

Little Giant and Little Jumbo are available at Blackwoods


-- Edited by Tidahapah on Saturday 7th of May 2011 06:29:58 AM

 

[Tom.B]

We use one from K-Mart made by Rubbermaid. Stable, plastic, and folds up small enough to stow easily. Cheap too.

http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?CatName=CleaningUtility&SubcatId=LaddersStepStools&Prod_ID=RP091073

 

[Larry H]

The Little Jumbo is available at Amazon.com.

 

[Steve]

When cruising we use the folding Rubbermaid plastic ones referenced by Gonzo, they were on the boat when we bought it. A cord has saved it from the drink a couple of times. Not the sturdiest around but, knock on wood, so far no one has taken a tumble from it.
At home we have a non folding version screwed in to the dock.
Steve W.

 

[flashwillie]

Blackwoods are at 35 oak st Gympie* on the way to tin can bay.*** gordon.

 

[koliver]

like this?
I saw steps like this on a 60' Monk McQueen, and had to have a set. about a day in the woodshop and a little help with making the bronze hangars, and voila!

The hangars slip behind a pair of cleats with the horns removed.* I have a set on each side of the boat, aligned with the openings in the rails.

 

[AllanY]

Thanks Gordon and Benn

I'll check out Blackwoods prices first as they are renound for expensive pricing


Keith

I like your solution
Not sure how well it would work for me though

Allan