Boarding steps

[mcanderson]

Anyone got any good ideas for a set of fold away steps that I could use to help my wife get on our boat when she (the yacht) is alongside. The yacht (Beneteau 323) doesn't have particularily highside, but she (my wife) isn't the tallest of people.

Many thanks.

 

[billgray]

I use a fender step. There are a variety of different types available now and it does two jobs!
Bill

 

[mordase]

Agree that a fender step is the way to go. Been using one for a few years and its great.

 

[Hoolie]

We use 2-tread aluminium/plastic steps that hook over the toe-rail when needed. No problems but need a line to ensure they don't fall off. Available at most chandleries.

 

[Cliveshep]

We do the same, and agree totally with you. Only thing we do different is I had some purpose made fittings, basically short tubes on a base, into which the arms of the ladder go, much more secure that way as it doesn't slide about. You're also right tho' about a line to secure it to the boat, they are light enough to get kicked off from above or if the dinghy hits them wrongly.

 

[anniebray]

I bought "Le step" from Force 4 last year. Sounds similat to Hoolie but has about 4-5 steps. Cost about £40. I find it very good.

 

[mcanderson]

I have though about all the offerings made, but I was think more along the line of a set of fold away steps that would stow away easily in our cockpit locker.

 

[Salty John]

There's the Step Up:
http://www.saltyjohn.com/step_up_boarding_step.htm

 

[mcanderson]

Think I have found my solution

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores...g+Plastic+Steps

 

[Cliveshep]

I think everyone jumped to the same conclusion, that you were looking to get your wife boarded onto and not off or out from the cockpit. Can't you just chuck her over the side? (Joke, honest!)

 

[mcanderson]

Nope, just to make it easier for her to board from the pontoon over the guard wire onto the deck. She can do it easily enough, but in tight jeans it can be a bit of a hassle.

 

[TamarMike]

[ QUOTE ]
Nope, just to make it easier for her to board from the pontoon over the guard wire onto the deck. She can do it easily enough, but in tight jeans it can be a bit of a hassle.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why not fit pelican clips to the guardrails so they can be dropped when boarding.

 

[mcanderson]

Good idea, I'll have a look at that. Mind you for £8 the Argos steps are a fast, simple and inexpensive fix.

 

[retsina]

Fit Pelican clips. I have two on each side; easy boarding

 

[LadyInBed]

Alternative solution

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[PeteCooper]

This one from Argos seems to work OK, and folds flat for easy stowage:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8550143/Trail/searchtext>FOLDING+STEPS.htm

 

[Saddletramp]

[ QUOTE ]
She can do it easily enough, but in tight jeans it can be a bit of a hassle.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmmmm? ........ There must be a simple solution here but I can't quite put my finger on it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif