Steps in the cockpit

Surveyor1 · Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2024 3:21 pm Post subject: Steps in the cockpit

I’m sure this topic has been covered but I did a search and couldn’t find anything.
Anyway, now that I’m 75 I find it more and more difficult to ingress and egress the boat with the one little step that’s built-in. I’ve seen a couple different versions of steps in boat reviews etc. and wonder where I might look to explore some options.
‘98 22 cruiser

Thanks

Tom Hruby · Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2024 4:27 pm Post subject:

I know your problem exactly. I have had the same problem in my new 22' cruiser (I am 76). There are a number of cockpit step ladders available but I found that the width of the steps is too small when going in face forward. I have tried a number of different folding step stools and trying ones with steps that were at least 6 - 8" in depth. I started out with a folding plastic two-step stool but found that was a little too rickety. I ended up with a "Little Giant Ladders, Jumbo Step, 2-Step, 2 foot, Step Stool, Aluminum, Type 1AA, 375 lbs weight rating" . I took off the folding top "handle" to make it fit better next to the gunwales by the aft bulkhead where the handle is located. The two step was a little too low for the first step into the boat so I screwed a couple of rv jack supports to the top step to raise it another 1.5 in. The stool has nice big rubber feet that keep it from sliding on the cockpit floor. It is folding so I can move it if I am tied up on the port side and want to open the door.

On the starboard side I build a box to hold my fridge and that provides a first step into the cockpit. A small folding stool then provides the next step down.

colbysmith · Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2024 9:48 pm Post subject:

I made a really nice step for my 22. Then upgraded to the 25 and sold the 22 before I even had the steps for a season to use.... I'll have to see if I have photos in my Midnight Flyer album. If I do, I'll come back and edit this. If not, I'm sure you can find photos of other folks steps, as that is how I patterned mine. Colby
Ah, found one photo:

One more, but only a glimpse of the side...

Schuster · Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2024 10:39 pm Post subject:

I've not seen it done on any boats but many 5th wheels and travel trailers have steps that fold up and out of the way. It may take a little engineering to adapt something like that for a boat but I'm guessing it could be possible. Good luck with that.

ssobol · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2024 12:06 pm Post subject:

If it were me, I wouldn't rely on the lip for the side pockets on a 22 as a support for something like steps. It's not meant to carry large loads.

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2024 12:21 pm Post subject:

With my steps, the part that went over that side box lip was just to steady the ladder. The weight was actually leaning against the bottom part of the box, and supported at the floor. It really was pretty sturdy. I weighed 220 at the time. The steps had support under them as well. Colby

Tom Hruby · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2024 4:14 pm Post subject:

Colby,
From the photos you posted it looks like the step is about in the middle of the cockpit. What do you hold onto when you get in and out? I have found that I need to place my steps close to the aft bulkhead where there is a handle I can grab when getting in and out.

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2024 4:27 pm Post subject:

gstraub · Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2024 12:36 pm Post subject:

We installed these Garelick steps. I had to put in a couple of supports since the height isn't exactly right. I got a second set of mounts and put supports on the other side of the cockpit, too, so that we can move them to whatever side we need.

MOOSE · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2024 10:06 am Post subject:

While I don’t have a photo readily available, I fabricated a small fiberglass step out of 1/4” thick fiberglass. I pop-riveted a flat top piece for the actual step to two right-angled pieces beneath. The step is only about 6x8”. The right-angled pieces oppose one another beneath and the gap between them spans the inside wall of the coaming box as far forward as possible. That area is surprisingly strong. Access is by first stepping on the gunwhale, then the left foot to this step, followed by the right foot to the built-in step in the hull. It is a small, unobtrusive step that works perfectly. While I used fiberglass, a similar step could be fabricated from wood, I believe, with adequate fastening and reinforced joints.

Surveyor1 · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2024 6:11 pm Post subject:

Gstraub:
I like it. I may start looking for those.

Thanks to you and all who replied.
RW

Tom Hruby · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 3:50 pm Post subject:

Tried to post a picture of my steps

[img]C:\Users\tomh4\Pictures\C-dory 22\step 1.jpg[/img]

But it didn't work. I tried to copy picture from my files.

Tom Hruby · Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2024 4:00 pm Post subject:

Finally was able to post a picture to my album.