Big step in cockpit

[med2463]

It is a big step from the cockpit seats/bridgedeck to the cockpit floor, which is not good for our old bones (knees/back). We currently have a plastic folding step in front of the companionway/bridgedeck. Thinking about building a step there for a more permanent solution. Anybody done that and have pictures. I looked on internet but didn't find anything like the 2step cockpit ladders which would be too long.

 

[Ed Schenck]

That would not be practicle on my boat. My Yanmar panel is right there and people would be kicking it. But I think you could make a step and then secure it on the vertical, not through the sole. I would use some 1x6 PlasTeak.

 

[guidera48]

I measured the bridge this morning. It is 18" off the pit floor so it's up there. I don't use it unles I am going forward on deck. I usualy step over it onto the engine cover to go below. However it would be simple to make a step.
Here are some choices.
The engine panel and openings for the lazzaretes are 7" off the floor. Your step can only be 6" high in order to be able to see the instruments and open the seats. That would make the next step 12" high. Not great but better.
Materials: You can use teak, mahogany, Trex, your choice.
Step width: You can make it out of two 2x6, 1x4 slats with space in between, between 8" and 12" deep, etc.
Legs: three blocks should do it. One on each end and one in the middle to negate flexing.
I would not make it permanent. Just something you can stow away.
You can make it permanent by using 5200 to glue it to the floor, silicone to make it removable, non skid pads to make stowable.
You can leave it on most of the time but I would stow it if things get hairy. No flying projectiles if you can help it.

P.S. ED is right. That panel is in a vulnerable area. I would make sure it has a plexiglass cover so toes would not get to the gauges, or make the step deep enough that there is plenty of room to step on it.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Your picture gives me an idea Jose. The step could go the width of the cockpit. With aluminum on the ends it could mount under the edge of the locker cover. I think you would want a couple of vertical pieces for additional support as in your drawing.

 

[med2463]

Big step

I measured the bridge this morning. It is 18" off the pit floor so it's up there. I don't use it unles I am going forward on deck. I usualy step over it onto the engine cover to go below. However it would be simple to make a step.
Here are some choices.
The engine panel and openings for the lazzaretes are 7" off the floor. Your step can only be 6" high in order to be able to see the instruments and open the seats. That would make the next step 12" high. Not great but better.
Materials: You can use teak, mahogany, Trex, your choice.
Step width: You can make it out of two 2x6, 1x4 slats with space in between, between 8" and 12" deep, etc.
Legs: three blocks should do it. One on each end and one in the middle to negate flexing.
I would not make it permanent. Just something you can stow away.
You can make it permanent by using 5200 to glue it to the floor, silicone to make it removable, non skid pads to make stowable.
You can leave it on most of the time but I would stow it if things get hairy. No flying projectiles if you can help it.

P.S. ED is right. That panel is in a vulnerable area. I would make sure it has a plexiglass cover so toes would not get to the gauges, or make the step deep enough that there is plenty of room to step on it.

Hope this helps.

Our instrument panel is aft by the helm, and the area where you have yours is covered up with starboard. So, that isn't an issue for us. I like your drawing. One couple in our sail club got rid of their 37c because of the big step (lot of old people down here in FL). I love the boat so want to make it work. We only have 2 more weeks of boating and then spending the summer working on the boat, so that will be a summer project. For the rest of this month, will use the little step stool.

 

[med2463]

Here is picture of where innstrument panel used to be and my little step stool. Not a good permanent solution for step.

 

[guidera48]

The fact that the panel is not there is an advantage, however the starboard seat has to be able to be opened so we are still around 6 inches in height. Staircases code is 7 1/2" max in height, so 6" is not that far. To split the 18" height in two you would need a 9" step. Now you could have a split level step, that is 6" on starboard and 9" on port side. That would allow for the seat to open on starboard and since the port seat lid is diferent, that might work. This is getting too complicated. Just stick to 6" since it looks like the stool you have is about that height.. I have posted a picture of the grate I made for the head since mine was missing when I purchased the boat. You could have a step made out of slats that would look similar.
Thanks