I used a sailstep to get aboard from a dock or launch on my 34 with the aluminum toerail, but I can't figure out anyway to support a boarding ladder on the low fiberglass gunwale of the 356 and the distance from the arch to the first stanchion seems too wide for hanging a fender step securely. Anyone tried this or found another solution that doesn't involve adding extra cleats or stanchions? Need something that will work at a fore and aft mooring where I can't use the sugar scoop because a stern bridle is in the way.
Hunter 356 side boarding step?
- Thread starter danm1
- Start date
It can be quite a step up on those high freeboard boats!
We used a “Fender step”, I think, on ours. We set it up near the shrouds so we could use the shrouds as a hand hold. The fore and aft lines would not be even so it was far from ideal. But our dock didn’t go all the way to the cockpit (Bow in docking). But at high tide with a fixed dock it was the best solution.
For the lines I would use a stancion base and the chainplate as I remember.
We used a “Fender step”, I think, on ours. We set it up near the shrouds so we could use the shrouds as a hand hold. The fore and aft lines would not be even so it was far from ideal. But our dock didn’t go all the way to the cockpit (Bow in docking). But at high tide with a fixed dock it was the best solution.
For the lines I would use a stancion base and the chainplate as I remember.
We were looking at both the Fender Step and the West Marine version, but saw a lot of reports that they don't last more than a season. Have you been able to judge how long it might last?
We have used the Dan Fender - Fender Step for close to 15 years and it is still in very good condition. We only use it when going alongside and only for stepping off the boat not for fendering the boat. Otherwise it is stored in our Euro locker, we clean it as necessary and keep it pressured to 2 psi as recommended.
Fender Step - Technical Information
"The fore and aft lines would not be even so it was far from ideal."
I've thought of a fender step, but I need to board alongside the cockpit and the distance from stanchion to arch is 80 inches. Anyone tried tying off a fender step with such a wide angle?
I've thought of a fender step, but I need to board alongside the cockpit and the distance from stanchion to arch is 80 inches. Anyone tried tying off a fender step with such a wide angle?
I tie off around a single point (stanchion or arch leg) and the crew steps in the very middle of the Fender Step. One end of the line is eye spliced to the Fender Step eye and after rounding the fixed point the other end of the line is connected with a bowline. Not ideal but haven’t lost her in 15 years of doing it that way.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,390
Frequently owners use stanchion bases to tie of fenders and steps like the fender step. Most often it is because they are convenient.
You could install a pad eye or two where you want to place the step. I like the Wichard folding padeye. Strong and secure hardware up to the task.
You could install a pad eye or two where you want to place the step. I like the Wichard folding padeye. Strong and secure hardware up to the task.
