Companion way entry steps

[soggysocks]

Any suggestions for covering the entry steps on a "large" power boat (46')?
She is a well kept Chris Craft.

I am involved in a boat that has just had new teak flooring put in and the entry way steps have thin durable carpeting on them. We are considering new carpeting or my preference which is wood with anti-skid pads and possibly a stainless or brass tread strut across the leading edge of the tread. We could also put the struts over the carpet.

Thoughts - ideas or pictures?
Thank you all in advance!

 

[Stu Jackson]

wood with anti-skid pads and possibly a stainless or brass tread strut across the leading edge of the tread

Non skid is the answer. The leading edge stuff will be a tripping and skid hazard, not such a good idea.

 

[jssailem]

a stainless or brass tread strut across the leading edge of the tread

If this is what I think it is, you may find it a bleeding hazard. One missed step, likely on the way down, and there may be flayed skin everywhere. May also be hard on bare foot crew. I would think hard about such a plan.

 

[KD3PC]

I prefer real hard wood, with a non-skid in the clear or epoxy what-ever you finish it with. For me this is one place where function absolutely trumps looks. Anything stuck on or sticking to it or up from it - is a no-no for me, as it ALWAYS falls off at the least convenient time.

best of luck

 

[Gunni]

TreadMaster. Here is how I did it. Lots of colors available.

 

[seadaddler]

My step are teak wood steps and never have a problem and just add sea Fins teak oil
every year.
Nick

 

[soggysocks]

Thanks for the comments.

The tread struts are actually common on a fair number of larger yachts and homes - they typically go over rug and increase both traction and save on wear and tear. They are safe and work well and pose no threat - but they would have needed to be made custom and custom was not in the customers budget at all for step treads. They are basically in this application something resembling a simple brass or stainless steel bar or strip approximately 3/8th wide and 1/4" or 1/8th" high spanning the step. They work well for shoes and are comfortable to bare feet.

We went with a non-skid similar to GU's suggestion of TreadMaster.

 

[Alansails]

Gunni, did a great job and it is safe and looks great!