After more than 10 summers of anchoring out and swimming, it's become obvious that I am in need of some add on steps on the swim ladder on my E35-3 (notice I'm not in a hurry when it comes to these sort of things 
). I have seen some on the after market, but can not locate any that meet my requirements. What have others done?
I'm looking for full width steps. Sailnet and others have have steps that you put on either side (by Johnson I think). I think these look terrible. I was given some steps from Catalina that fit 1" rail. They are made of plastic and are 12" long. This is acceptable lengthwise, however, they attach using pop-rivets. I'm not crazy about that approach because if I ever have to remove the steps or they fail, there will be pieces of pop rivets rattling around in the swim ladder every time I raise/lower it. Not sure if I want to through bolt them becaue in the stowed position, there will be a nut/bolt threads sticking up (a prime opportunity to take off a layer of skin a.k.a. get a 'boat bite'). I have been reluctant to drill through the rail becaue I'm not sure if the water that enters when the steps are under water will drain then the ladder is in it's stowed position (of course, pop rivets have the same issue). Should I be concerned about the water draining?
In any case, I need several more to complete the project and found they are available from Catalina Yachts for $15 per step.
I have been unable to locate commercially made wooden steps. I have seen some that are full width that have a metal bracket that is attached to each end to keep it from twisting. The advantage is no holed in the ladder but you still have the bolts protruding when the ladder is stowed. Unfortunately, no one seems to carry these.
I had entertained the idea of making my own out of teak, but the lumber involved is $40-50. A local supplier suggested making them out of mahogany for $14-18. Add $50-60 for the correct router bits and the plastic does not seem so bad.
What have others done to make boarding after swimming less painful? If I can get this one solved my spouse and children will thank you.
cruis-n
). I have seen some on the after market, but can not locate any that meet my requirements. What have others done? I'm looking for full width steps. Sailnet and others have have steps that you put on either side (by Johnson I think). I think these look terrible. I was given some steps from Catalina that fit 1" rail. They are made of plastic and are 12" long. This is acceptable lengthwise, however, they attach using pop-rivets. I'm not crazy about that approach because if I ever have to remove the steps or they fail, there will be pieces of pop rivets rattling around in the swim ladder every time I raise/lower it. Not sure if I want to through bolt them becaue in the stowed position, there will be a nut/bolt threads sticking up (a prime opportunity to take off a layer of skin a.k.a. get a 'boat bite'). I have been reluctant to drill through the rail becaue I'm not sure if the water that enters when the steps are under water will drain then the ladder is in it's stowed position (of course, pop rivets have the same issue). Should I be concerned about the water draining?
In any case, I need several more to complete the project and found they are available from Catalina Yachts for $15 per step.
I have been unable to locate commercially made wooden steps. I have seen some that are full width that have a metal bracket that is attached to each end to keep it from twisting. The advantage is no holed in the ladder but you still have the bolts protruding when the ladder is stowed. Unfortunately, no one seems to carry these.
I had entertained the idea of making my own out of teak, but the lumber involved is $40-50. A local supplier suggested making them out of mahogany for $14-18. Add $50-60 for the correct router bits and the plastic does not seem so bad.
What have others done to make boarding after swimming less painful? If I can get this one solved my spouse and children will thank you.
cruis-n
