16' Angler Garelick Cockpit Step Installation

C

Christopher-Robyn

New member
Does anyone have any experience with installing a Garelick cockpit step (P/N 25022) in a 16' Angler? I'd like to attach the mounting brackets to the vertical side of the bulwark, a couple of inches below the top of the gunwale & just aft of the cabin grab rail. I'm not sure how to get to the back side of the vertical bulwark to attach the mounting nuts & washers after I drill the holes. There is a lower section that appears to be attached to the bulwark with sheet metal screws, but around the edges it looks like it may also be glued in as well. It looks like adhesive, but it may be flotation foam that was pumped in. Will I be opening a can of worms if I remove the screws and try to get the section out? Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Paul K.
 
I carry a 9" tall Turtle Stool Folding Step so my wife can get into our 16' Cruiser from the dock. It fits nicely under the motor well when not in use.

May save drilling a few holes & probably costs a lot less.
 
Not being mechanical, I just screwed the plates in with ss screws and a dab of 4200. It's held up fine. Put a set of those holding brackets both on the port and starboard sides.
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Dotnmarty - We saw your post of this photo a while back, ordered one and put it in. Installation in the C-19 is a little different but no problem. Like you we just used the screws and some sealant, and it works just fine. Most of the strain/weight goes on the feet. And mentally we thank you again every time we use it.

Thanks again Arnold & Marcia
Loose Nut
 
Thanks for the replies. I guess I was thinking the brackets would have to support a greater load. I'll mount them with stainless sheet metal screws and sealant!
Paul K.
 
Not to knock your ideas (the Garelick cockpit step looks really nice!), but when faced with the same problem when I "discovered" about 5 years ago I was getting older and having knee. hip, and back problems from taking too many big steps up and down from the gunnel to the mini-side steps built into the boat, I bought a Rubbermaid two-step stool that filled the bill nicely to divide the big step into two, and has worked well ever since.

It moves from side to side almost effortlessly and also provides an instant sitting space as well for my back and pinched sciatic nerves. It also can be turned to face to the center of the boat or aft as well, as needed. Additionally, it can be stored inside the boat (becomes an extra seat in a pinch) or in the engine well (unless the cooler is mounted there), requires no hardware installation, and costs less than $20.

Should be on the "Best Ideas Under $20" thread, and is one of the most useful things I ever added to the boat, regardless of the cost!

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Rubbermaid Two-Step Stool

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Joe:
That Rubbermaid 2-step may work out just right! I need to go to my boat & measure from the top of the gunwale down to the deck. I think it is approx. 26". That would result in a 10" step up or down to the gunwale. That would be a heck of a lot easier than installing the Garelick. Thanks!
Paul K.
 
Golly, you guys are sooo technical :wink I just slide the 80qt. ice chest over and let her step on that. :smilep It also makes a bench seat for passengers, and if worse comes to worse...I can put fish in it :xlol
:smiled Jack
 
Jack:
You're absolutely right! I guess I made a mountain out of a mole hill. I should have thought about the simple solution to begin with. (Like my wife said!) Thanks guys!
Paul K.
 
Space & weight are pretty tight on our boat to have a permanent step. I thought we had a 9" folding Turtle step. Its actually a 12" EZ Fold step stool. Cost is about $19-$22.

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I used to slide the ice chest over to get our Great Dane into and out of the boat.

In fact, I covered the top of the ice chest with red indoor/outdoor carpet for a non-skid surface so she/we wouldn't slip on it. Glued it down with contact cement, etc.

But now that she's gone, the step stool is a lot easier to move, weighing about a pound or so, vs. the 30- 40 or more lb chest full of ice, drinks, food, etc.

However, here's something to think about: If you're out of the boat and the ice chest is in the middle, you have no way back into the boat other than the looooong step method. (!)

I also moved the ice chest up to a platform in the front of the motor well, so now I have a lot more floor room, and the stool is both a necessary and easier solution than dragging the chest around on the Dri-Deck floor.

What's more, the stool will fit in the engine well behind the ice chest with the motor tilted down or tilted up, either one, giving you total use of the now empty cockpit floor.

Works for me! (YMMV!)

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
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