3 step swim ladder conversion

M

maryvmcclain

New member
I know I read that someone simply took off their 2 rung ladder and replaced it with a 3 rung ladder and it actually fit on the swim step with the same mounting hardware, holes etc. I can't find the post... and our cape cruiser may have a different ladder to begin with. Both of us agree that the 3 step would be very helpful. I love to swim, but getting in and out isn't that easy.

We have the left side hand hold and are using a rope to help pull ourselves out. I'm voting for some kind of handhold for the right hand, perhaps in the splashwell.

Sorry for asking a question that might already have been answered :)

Mary McClain
Cape Cruiser 23
"Cocoon" to be renamed Freedom which is how we feel now that we're retired...going on one month... happy and free.
 
Take your ladder to a West Marine store and they should be able to measure it and get you a replacement 3-4 step ladder. It really does make a big difference.

As far as a handhold, what ever works but that first step makes a big difference.

Good Luck.

Rick
 
I think we are talking about the swim step ladder that hangs under the swim step and has a web strap to hold it up under the swim step when not needed.

I replaced my 2 step ladder with a three step. The original was a Garlock so I looked in several boating catalog sites starting with the Garlock site. In Fisheries Supply it seemed to be the same ladder, but when it came it was narrower. The swim step is solid fiberglass, so I just drilled new holes to fit the new ladder. Turned out to be an easy change and is much easier to get started up the ladder.

Chuck
 
Not meaning to pick nits, but I believe the company name is Garelick. I hope this makes it easier to find.

BTW, I just installed one of their 22" cockpit steps into my CD16, and I can tell you how happy it makes my wife!

Cheers!

John
 
We replaced the 2 step with a 3 step. Just replaced the ladder itself, the existing bracket worked fine. It's a Garelick. Way easier to get aboard.

Rick
 
What? There is a manufactured cockpit steps [re]? I'll have to check that out to see if I can get one for our 22 cruiser. I've been telling my wife - no there are no steps you can buy, otherwise I would have seen it on the c-brats website. Our cruiser comes with a step that gets you up 12" of the 32" to the gunwale. One more step would have been a good idea. It's really a problem for my wife. Thanks, jep111.
 
bluegene":37m8zjrs said:
What? There is a manufactured cockpit steps [re]? I'll have to check that out to see if I can get one for our 22 cruiser. I've been telling my wife - no there are no steps you can buy, otherwise I would have seen it on the c-brats website. Our cruiser comes with a step that gets you up 12" of the 32" to the gunwale. One more step would have been a good idea. It's really a problem for my wife. Thanks, jep111.
Click to expand...

I believe people are talking about the stainless telescoping ladder that hangs off the swim step, not the step in the cockpit.
 
bluegene":2hazpe0w said:
What? There is a manufactured cockpit steps [re]? I'll have to check that out to see if I can get one for our 22 cruiser. I've been telling my wife - no there are no steps you can buy, otherwise I would have seen it on the c-brats website. Our cruiser comes with a step that gets you up 12" of the 32" to the gunwale. One more step would have been a good idea. It's really a problem for my wife. Thanks, jep111.
Click to expand...

Garelick makes both 2 and 3 step units that will fit in the cockpit. We had brackets on each side so we could move it depending how we were moored. Had them on our 22, on the 16 and on my first TC255. My wIfe liked them and even my knees appreciated them. I'll try to find you a link and attach it on edit.

Here's one example. Google "garelick cockpit steps" and take your pick. Get an extra set of mounting brackets for the other side of the boat.
 
We just placed a West Marine order for an under platform telescopic 3-step made by Garlick. It appears to be an identical match in terms of the mounting brackets - model #19623. Will let you all know...

Rob
 
Captains Cat":1rt1jj88 said:
bluegene":1rt1jj88 said:
What? There is a manufactured cockpit steps [re]? I'll have to check that out to see if I can get one for our 22 cruiser. I've been telling my wife - no there are no steps you can buy, otherwise I would have seen it on the c-brats website. Our cruiser comes with a step that gets you up 12" of the 32" to the gunwale. One more step would have been a good idea. It's really a problem for my wife. Thanks, jep111.
Click to expand...

Garelick makes both 2 and 3 step units that will fit in the cockpit. We had brackets on each side so we could move it depending how we were moored. Had them on our 22, on the 16 and on my first TC255. My wIfe liked them and even my knees appreciated them. I'll try to find you a link and attach it on edit.

Here's one example. Google "garelick cockpit steps" and take your pick. Get an extra set of mounting brackets for the other side of the boat.
Click to expand...

That's exactly the one I got. It works wonderfully (my wife has a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus at the moment).

Cheers!

John
 
I find 22" (H) and 28" (H) Garelick cockpit steps available. Measuring my 22ft Cruiser, it looks like 28" is the right height. Those of you who have installed these, have I figured that out correctly? Thanks,

Bob
 
The 22" is the one you want. I installed a set yesterday on my 2005 22 cruiser. Have had them on each of my boats.

The metal mounting brackets fit just below the cockpit side stowage boxes. Get a separate set of mounting brackets for the other side.

Charlie
 
Captains Cat":1wc4cxmq said:
The metal mounting brackets fit just below the cockpit side stowage boxes. Get a separate set of mounting brackets for the other side.

Charlie
Click to expand...

Charlie, in case there's any doubt how dense I am, now that I've bought the steps, do you attach the metal brackets to the face of the cockpit stowage boxes just below the openings in those boxes? The boxes don't seem to be substantial enough for that, but the only alternative looks like the side of the hull below the boxes. Thanks,

Bob
 
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