Adding 30 degree angled steps to companion way stairs

[Keith]

On a CD30 when on port tack you can brace your foot against the side of the icebox when going below while healed over. However when on a starboard tack there is only air for a brace. This has bugged me for years. So here is my solution.
Before

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Individual steps. this is the first time I have used Lust. I applied 4 coats of clear one day then two coats two days later and finished it off with two coats of hand rubbed. They say you can do five coats in one day. I’m going to try it somewhere topside this spring. I’ll update as to how it holds up to UV.

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After

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This was much more complicated then I expected. Lots of angles to deal with but I’m pleased with the outcome. Can’t wait to test when the rail is in the water.

Keith

[wikakaru]

Nice, Keith! That should make it much easier to get in and out at all angles of heel.

Have you thought of adding some kind of non-skid to the surface to reduce the risk of slipping? I have found varnished steps to be especially slick when they are wet.

Smooth sailing,

Jim

[Frenchy]

That's pretty neat, Keith. To stop slipping, you could attach some grip tape. That's what I did. It works.
Good luck - Jean

[gonesail]

yes .. great solution.

[Jim Walsh]

Nice solution and done tastefully. My companionway ladder consists of side rails of stainless pipe supporting teak steps. On numerous occasions the side rails have kept me secure. You will be very happy with this modification.
Grip tape, as Jean suggested, is essential in my opinion.

[Paul D.]

The Hallberg Rassy solution provides a capture port and starboard without lots of angles. But then again, there is that oh so elegant curve.

[Keith]

The grip tape sounds like a good upgrade.

Thanks Jean, jim and Jim

[Bill Goldsmith]

Very nicely designed and executed!

[gonesail]

the beautiful job Cape Dory did with my ladder.

[Frenchy]

That is beautiful, Gonesail. It's similar to a lady friend's on her Tartan 33. One thing I like about my stainless
tubing/wood steps is that it can swing up and latch to the overhead. Checking the engine is a bit easier. - Jean

[tjr818]

Do you find yourself kicking that electrical panel? The photo makes it look as though the panel is pretty close.

[John Stone]

That's a nice ladder gonesail. It's important to be able to stand on the ladder while heeling and see out over all three drop boards. It was a key requirement when I built our new ladder/steps during the engine installation. Lots of ways to do it it just has to work so you feel safe and don't fall.

[Keith]

for some reason I can't view Gonesail's attachment. Anybody else have the same problem?

Keith

[Carl Thunberg]

I can see the photo fine. On my former CD30, I was always at the helm when we were underway, so I never noticed this was a problem. It must have been a hassle for my family, but they never spoke up about it. I totally see it now. Strange how you never notice a problem until someone fixes it. Nice solution!

[Keith]

MOONDANCE launched on April 15th and the step angles are perfect. It’s pretty windy in Nantucket sound this time of year and I’ve been double reefed and staysail most of the time and the angled steps are a great improvement. See pic below

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Keith