Bolt-on Adjustable Trailer Step(s)

[OverEasy]

Hi All!

Just came across this item that might be of interest to those with after market trailers for their MacGregors.


A simple adjustable step that can be added with simple bolt on (no drilling required) attachment/adjustment.
https://keelguard.com/product/flexstep- ... kv7SBoCnqI

One could easily use one, two or more as per one’s requirements or preferences.

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Russ]

Very cool and useful. I'm always tempted to step on the fenders, which cannot hold my weight.

A bit pricey for my needs. However, if I was launching often, I'd do it.

[Strange]

My Mac trailer failed after 4 years. Due to the way the tongue was made, it trapped water in the tongue and simply rusted through. Snapped one Sunday afternoon while trying to launch. Right at the top of the ramp. Had to sit with it all night waiting for the wrecker with the right attachment to pluck it and drag it back up the ramp. Fortunately, I was using a dry storage marina and just had to put it back in my spot. A few years later, I saved up the money for a custom aluminum trailer. I used the boat a few times but found it nearly impossible for me to launch the boat alone unless the ramp has dock fingers to walk it on and off the trailer. Trying to hoist myself up the bow with an improvised rope ladder is something for a much more physically capable individual.

I just tried out new my Boat EFX trailer ( https://www.boatefx.com/ ) stairs this week. I'm 69, have balance issues and can do anything that I did in the past . . . but only for about 30 seconds. With the aluminum, 7 step stairs, launching and recovery is easy. I put a line from the winch to the cockpit and back it down the ramp. Remove the winch hook and just walk up the stairs, swing my leg over the bow rail and I'm aboard.

Are they a little pricey? Yes! Are they worth every penny? To me they are! I can use my boat anytime . . . anywhere . . . again.

[krum]

Mr. Strange I'm in the same boat as you, literally. At 79 trying to eck out a few more years of sailing. With that said, can you post a picture of your new steps, model number would also help. Thanks for your post.

[OverEasy]

Hi Strange!

I’m with Krum!
It would be great to see what you were able to work out.

Sadly, Mobility/Dexterity is no longer my strong suit either (now that I’ve survived into longevity ).
While I’ve always tried to view every day as always being a gift, there are some tasks (like launching from a ramp without a finger pier ) that can become genuine PITA moments!
I’ve provided a fair bit of ramp entertainment on the occasions where I’ve had to clamor up onto the spare tires on the trailer winch post then either very ungracefully climb over the bow rail or attempt to clamor under it. Neither are fun! %#@&§£¥€^

Yes, I’d love to see your set up.
There is always something to learn from the solutions folks here on the forum have developed!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[dlandersson]

You're my inspiration, I'm 70

Mr. Strange I'm in the same boat as you, literally. At 79 trying to eck out a few more years of sailing. With that said, can you post a picture of your new steps, model number would also help. Thanks for your post.

[Strange]

Krum,

There isn't a model number. They size them based on the rise and trailer mounting. Can be from 3 to 7 steps depending on the rise. How it mounts to the trailer depends on the trailer. I have the AlumaSTEP stairs with 7 steps and winch post mounting.

Rainin' right now. I'll get you some better pics of the completed project when it lets up. But I'll post some details like:

The box!



Winch post mounting hardware!



Mounted!

[Strange]

Extension hardware



Mounted!



Stair mount hardware

[Strange]

Stair mount mounted!



I don't have pics of the assembly of the stairs themselves. That was the trickiest part (at least to me). I I'll take some close ups in a bit. And I'm old and confused. I only have 6 steps. But . . . Steps and hand rail mounted!

[Strange]

Better view of the stairs mount





Right now I have the hand rail off. I'll put it back later. But here you can see better where that top step takes me.

[OverEasy]

Hi Strange!

Wow! Great photos!
Thank you for the great detail images!
They really help explain these really slick stairs. These are really honest stairs that a ‘normal’ person can appreciate.
Good sturdy construction too!
The installation looks to be straight forward and there seems to be good adjustability so it can work with a variety of trailers.

Thank you!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Strange]

Solid built, powder coated (they have LOTS of color choices) aluminum. Lots of color choices for the non-skid mats.

There are only 2 minor issues. The flange on the winch mount and extension is too adjustable for my taste. But it does stay in place with all 8 bolts tight. And the little brackets for holding the handrail in place are plastic. I doubt they’ll hold up in the Texas heat. But they are just flat with screw holes. Easy to replace them with some stainless. My son’s in-laws own a machine shop. I’ll get some spacer blocks for the flanges and new handrail brackets, all stainless from them. And I’ll smuck ‘em liberally with anti seize just because they’ll be stainless next to aluminum.

Not major issues. There are just some things I’m retentive about.

An old sailor once told me, “There are 2 kinds of sailors. Stuffers and folders.” Based on the way they store their sails. Now I may stuff them in the bag on my way to the dock/ramp, but I fold ‘em when I get home.