If you are like me you are always looking for a place to put everything. On my 1980 Hunter, I noticed how much seperation there was between the steps leading below. I measured the distance between the sides of the ladder and cut a couple of pieces of teak about three or so inches wide and fitted them between the verticals about three or four inches below each step. I put a fiddle on one about an inch high and on another i put an opening 'drawer' front enabling me to open and close it with a cabinet latch. In no way do these new storage shelves interfere with your going up and down the steps because of the large distance between the steps and now I have a great place to keep a flashlight, keys, a couple of screwdrivers and a number of other things you might need quickly or often.