Non-factory Swimstep

L

Little Catelyn

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Joined
Feb 23, 2005
Messages
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C Dory Year
2006
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
22318
Vessel Name
Little Catelyn
The factory design integrates well with the design of the boat and the ladder stows neatly underneath. Teak may look yachty, but is just one more maintenance item I can skip. I just realzed this is the first boat I've had since my Hobie 14 without teak. I don't miss it at all!

ETEQD-AA_0026.JPG


-- Chuck
 
Ok so who was that on Thurday afternoon with the shiny new C-Dory 25 that passed me a few miles before the Tacoma narrows bridge? It sure was a nice setup were you just picking it up? I was on my way back from fishing on the Columbia for springers. Din't see a name but the guy driving shure had a big smile on his face!
 
Tuesday I went to E.Q. to take measurements of various things; one being the swimstep. The more I looked at that swimstep, the more I noticed how well it fit the boat. Hmmm. I had wanted to add some more teak to the exterior, but now I'm not sure.

In a couple of weeks the factory should be ready to ship my boat to the dealer and I would like to find out if it would be best to install a swimstep now rather than later. I would think that these would be through bolted and would require the removal of the gas tank. If so, now would probably be best.

Thanks,
Corwin
 
I really like the factory swim step on the transom. If you have dual engines however there is no room. On the 25 I am having it installed. Also makes a great platform for a cooler out of the way.
 
Anna Leigh":2rg8upxh said:
I really like the factory swim step on the transom. If you have dual engines however there is no room.
Click to expand...

Hi Corwin,
Les fabricated up a swim step for Sea Shift with the twin engines. It works great. Pictures of it may be seen in the Sea Shift album. I much prefer the swim step approach to ladders. (Wouldn't be without one).
 
If you really need that yachty look with the teak you could always make up some 1/4 in by 1in strips and thru bolt them to the factory swim step. it would give you the look you want with out the hassle of removing the tank andd all that work. Just counter sink the bolt heads. Or for that matter just 4200 them to the step.
 
Corwin, One more thing to consider. I think the new boats come with trim tabs. That is the time to do the swim step. It might dictate mounting the swim step slightly higher than normal. Maybe almost even with the stern opening. Or notch out the edge that mounts to the stern to make room for the top of the tab cylinder.

If you need fresh air, the swim step is a great place for the porta-johny, too. :smile Great view! Might want to wear the life jacket... Or to change a prop on the big single. Or to let dogs jump in and out. Or to step off onto the beach. Or to kick off muddy shoes before boarding. Makes a great work bench while servicing the engine while trailered. You will find that step has many, many uses.
 
Okay, I am already sold on having a swimstep. I wanted to know if they are in fact mounted with through bolts and require the removal of one of the gas tanks. The setup I saw on one of Les's boats also had trim tabs installed and I can understand how clearance for the outboard and positioning of the tabs can complicate the mounting of a swimstep.

While I had preferred the look of a teak swimstep, I like the fit of the factory unit and Les has already dealt with the installation issues. And hey, Starcraft Tom's idea of adding some teak strips might just satisfy my obsession with the teak stuff -- thanks Tom!

Corwin
 
On my 25, the factory swim step was mounted several inches higher than it needed to be to clear the tabs. This, combined with it only being a 2 step model, put the lowest step about 6" in the water- almost useless. The dealer was kind enough to replace it with a 3 step, and now it kinda works.
 
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