My husband and I are looking at purchasing a Catalina 36mkll. The placement of the galley (at the bottom of the companionway) is a bit scary. I can just see someone taking a header into the counter. Any experince or advice?
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Ken
Slipped Once
I have put an adhesive backed non-skid on the stair treads on my boat. I did slip once when my feet were wet, however I didn't make it all the way to the galley sink! The non-skid has made a huge difference. I do instruct all friends who sail on the boat that it is best to start down the companionway with their left hand on the starboard grab handle and then basically turn around and go down the companionway ladder backwards, just like a ladder is intended to be used.
I have put an adhesive backed non-skid on the stair treads on my boat. I did slip once when my feet were wet, however I didn't make it all the way to the galley sink! The non-skid has made a huge difference. I do instruct all friends who sail on the boat that it is best to start down the companionway with their left hand on the starboard grab handle and then basically turn around and go down the companionway ladder backwards, just like a ladder is intended to be used.
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Chris Hyland
C36 steps
I do not advise people to go down my steps backwards. If you go down backwards and should fall backwards, your toast because you can't break your fall. Right hand on the starboard handle and the left overhead on the hatch. I haven't had anyone fall yet, and I've been in some pretty rough stuff. The C36 is tight in this space, which I find as a minor issue when compared to the usability of the interior design. I think it's the best and most usable interior design out there in a 36ft boat. That's why we bought it. Regards, Chris
I do not advise people to go down my steps backwards. If you go down backwards and should fall backwards, your toast because you can't break your fall. Right hand on the starboard handle and the left overhead on the hatch. I haven't had anyone fall yet, and I've been in some pretty rough stuff. The C36 is tight in this space, which I find as a minor issue when compared to the usability of the interior design. I think it's the best and most usable interior design out there in a 36ft boat. That's why we bought it. Regards, Chris
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Colin Wightman
Added handrails
We have small children onboard who really can't reach much of anything when transiting the companionway steps. I'm not certain about the Mark II's but, on my 1990 C36, I was able to attach a pair of 2-loop handrails (about $15 each from BoatUS or West Marine), one on each side of the stringers (the wood planks that form the sides of the steps). Now the kids can go up and down facing aft while holding onto the handrails...and I've stopped holding my breath when they go below while we're underway.
We have small children onboard who really can't reach much of anything when transiting the companionway steps. I'm not certain about the Mark II's but, on my 1990 C36, I was able to attach a pair of 2-loop handrails (about $15 each from BoatUS or West Marine), one on each side of the stringers (the wood planks that form the sides of the steps). Now the kids can go up and down facing aft while holding onto the handrails...and I've stopped holding my breath when they go below while we're underway.
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Stanley J. Rogacevicz
Use the steps like a ladder
Well Chris I agree that the c36 has the best interior around, but I think the steps should be used just like a ladder not a staircase. When leaning into and holding onto the ladder or side hand rails you are most secure. Why would you lean back. Most times I don't enter my c320 that way myself, but I DO advise it for others safety. I also usually hold the overhead slider with one or two hands and walk down like a stairway, but I think they are designed to be used as ladders. Take a look at Swans and other $$ megayachts and many of the ladders are only a few degrees from vertical. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
Well Chris I agree that the c36 has the best interior around, but I think the steps should be used just like a ladder not a staircase. When leaning into and holding onto the ladder or side hand rails you are most secure. Why would you lean back. Most times I don't enter my c320 that way myself, but I DO advise it for others safety. I also usually hold the overhead slider with one or two hands and walk down like a stairway, but I think they are designed to be used as ladders. Take a look at Swans and other $$ megayachts and many of the ladders are only a few degrees from vertical. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
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Tom
I agree with what Stan said.
When you go down facing forward only the end of your heal (ann inch or 2) will be on step. But if you go down facing aft (like a true ladder, not stairs) then you will have your "whole foot" on the step with a much likely chance of slipping. With all that said........I almost *never* walk down backwards......(LOL....sorry....hahaha)....and I probably should. I have never yet fallen into the sink...(knock on wood). But I have slipped a little going down when I was hurrying (and it was wet). If 'anything' is going to happen it is more likely that you will fall back onto the stairs than fall forward into the sink..... I totally agree with the prevous comments on adding the no-skid tape to the steps. I think they have helped tremendously.
When you go down facing forward only the end of your heal (ann inch or 2) will be on step. But if you go down facing aft (like a true ladder, not stairs) then you will have your "whole foot" on the step with a much likely chance of slipping. With all that said........I almost *never* walk down backwards......(LOL....sorry....hahaha)....and I probably should. I have never yet fallen into the sink...(knock on wood). But I have slipped a little going down when I was hurrying (and it was wet). If 'anything' is going to happen it is more likely that you will fall back onto the stairs than fall forward into the sink..... I totally agree with the prevous comments on adding the no-skid tape to the steps. I think they have helped tremendously.
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Gary Jensen
36 companionway steps
The steps on my 36 were very easy compared to my 380...I have been up and down the 36 in all kinds of conditions. I would not want to be going down them backwards when under sail as this puts a person on the steps longer than need be. I did have a strap that fastened to the companoinway hatch cover which hung down. It permitted crew to hold on to it when descending the steps. It gives the people a sense of security that allowed them to get down quickly without mishaps.
The steps on my 36 were very easy compared to my 380...I have been up and down the 36 in all kinds of conditions. I would not want to be going down them backwards when under sail as this puts a person on the steps longer than need be. I did have a strap that fastened to the companoinway hatch cover which hung down. It permitted crew to hold on to it when descending the steps. It gives the people a sense of security that allowed them to get down quickly without mishaps.
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