Swim Step Wanted

P

Papillon

New member
I am in need of a swim step on the "Papillon" and new prices of these are out of sight. It dawned on me that there might be a few used ones laying around where someone had upgraded to twin engines. If anyone has one collecting dust, please give me a holler.

Mike

PS: Judy says hurry up, she would like to get back in the boat soon.
 
Mike, I've got one of those over the gunnel types that extend down into the water from the side, not the stern. SS brackets on the topside just aft of the cabin and the ladder lives in the forepeak most of the time.

Very reasonably priced..

Charlie
 
Hi Charlie,
I have considered that type as well, but I do a lot of scuba diving and the platform makes for much better egress. If I can't find one at a respectable price, I am considering making one. Do you have the one that C-Dory offers or an aftermarket one. What price range?

Mike
 
Roger,
The one you linked at West Marine sure doesn't look like the one the factory shows on their website.

SideLader1.jpg


I may be cheap, Roger, but I like to look good while doing it. :D
 
You're correct. I have one like the factory photo but I couldn't find that one anymore in the West Marine catalog - it's probably there but I didn't look too hard. None-the-less, it is from garelick
 
Thanks Roger and Charlie for the quick response. I will check out the options you suggested if I don't hear from anyone on a dusty C-Dory Swim Step.
 
Hi Folks,

I put the hinged ladder from West Marine on my Starboard transom. The bottom part flips up and holds by a clip. Wife has trouble climbing it, but it works well.

This spring I decided that I really wanted a step on the port transom. I found that you can not purchase a step that will fit the pre 1986 transoms because the curve. Factory built steps are for straight, flat transoms.

I have heard that you could have a plastic fabricator make a step, and then attach a ladder to it. I am working on that now.

One of the reasons is that in Boston Harbor, you can't tie up to Fort Warren but stern to. We, with ladders, can no do. Reason for a a stern step.

Will let you know if it can work.


Fred
 
Mike,
I answered your PM regarding my swim step on the stern of our 22' Cruiser with twin Johnsons. Les at EQ Marine manufactured and installed it.
 
Fred - I fabricated a step for the starboard side of my '81 Angler that works pretty well. I used stainless brackets and Seaboard for the platform. I'm lucky enough to have my own mig welder that can do stainless, and used regular woodworking tools to shape the Seaboard. Even if you have a fabricator do it, it should be fairly straightforward and simple. I'll try to send a picture this weekend.

Jim
 
Fred, take a gander at the step (in my photo album on page 2, photos 44-48) that Les fabbed up on my 22'. Perhaps, you can incorporate something similar.
 
My swim step pics are posted on the Pescadory album.

This is mounted with four 1/4-inch ss through-bolts. The vertical bracket runs up through the platform a little ways, so all of the 4 mounting bolts are up above the water line.

Jim
 
Dave,
I like the looks of your swim-step. I would like to make one for my 22 cruiser with twin Hondas. I have found a source for those brackets but they come in several sizes. The smallest is 6in high by 12in horizontal and the next size up is 7in by 14in. Which size do you have? The step looks like starboard? How thick? Thanks.
 
Ken,
The swim platform is 3/4 thick starboard. The platform is 14" wide and 15" long. The ladder is a 15" step when flipped down in place. Photo #44 in my photo album shows the mounting bracket the best. The various photos I have of it, show how it is mounted so as to not interfere with the port trim tab. The bracket is 7" X 14".
 
Thanks Dave,
That is exactly what I need to know. I have almost the exact same set-up as you, except the Hondas may be a little different in size. I am installing the Lenco trim-tabs this weekend. I think I can easily make a swim platform from starboard and order the 7x14 brackets and a ladder. Have you ever actually boarded the boat from the water? I ask because I wonder if one step would be enough, or if I need to plan a handle up high somewhere to assist in getting aboard? I would appreciate your thoughts.
 
Hi Ken,
I can tell you from experience that the rougher the water and older the swimmer the more steps , the better. As far as an grab bar, yep it sure come in handy. If you don't use the swim step a great deal and don't want to install a grab bar, then a prefabed rope to the aft cleat works just as well. I have used both and find the rope ( with spaced knots for hand grabs) works great. I am glade you got all the needed measurement out of Dave, because I have decided to do the same as you. Now if someone will fire the starting pistol, we can see who gets it done first.

Mike
 
Ken,
Yes I have boarded via the swim step and one rung ladder from the water. (I don't recall it being that difficult). (I probably utilize the swim step more when boarding from the shore to the stern, when the bow is anchored out to an anchor buddy). You and Mike both need to be aware that if the engines are turned the wrong direction (don't remember which way, certainly no problem dead ahead or at a moderate angle), I'm unable to "flip" the ladder over as the engine head will interfere with it (so be sure to check your clearances before you mount the swim step). As far as the need for an additional step, you can always step on the lower unit of engine. (Obviously, you're not going to be boarding off the stern with the engine running).
 
Thanks Dave,
Good info. I plan to order the brackets tomorrow. I think it will be a fairly easy install. I may have to slide the tanks out a little to get to the lower bolts. Thanks again.
 
Now DaveS is being a bit modest here.... This guy is slim and in very nice shape....unlike a C-Dory owner I know in Bama :mrgreen: I like all the steps I can get, and yes if in an emergency, use the lower unit....but, each and every time I have done this (attempting to climb back in the aft end of a bass boat with no ladder), I have always felt like I was putting my foot in a food processor and hoping it never came on and I did not slip....which is how I ended up in the water to start with. :mrgreen: :thdown
:smilep :smileo :wink :beer :crook

So, Id' load up on the number of steps available. We aint getting any younger, and most of us are not getting any lighter, and having the starting level of "lift off" around my knees is much easier than around my waist....which is only about one step differance. And, with the lack of a handle or handrails on FreeByrd prior to receiving my rails, I used a rope between the aft cleats, with a simple loop in her that would pull tight right center of the ladder....and I could stow it when not in use, or, cut it loose if the mother-in-law was attempting to get back on board. :smiled :mrgreen:
 
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