
My creative project juices started back in the late 2000's when I first saw this drawing by Currie. It was before he actually started the build and I really love the finished version as well. I had just found this forum before purchasing my boat and was amazed at all the creative spirits on the site.

My fuzzy plans back then included closing off both the sides which means for access to the rear berth, the ladder has to become the doorway. The first version went in, in 2010 and served me well.

Now... it just collects dust in a shed. I can't think of a way now, but maybe I'll find a way to repurpose it.

The basic features of the 2010 version were:
- I removed the teak treads of the two SS down posts and removed the SS posts.
- I felt that because of the stoutness of their mounting top and bottom, that I must retain them to maintain structural strength. However, I moved them out one-bolt hole on the traveler track on both sides and reversed the posts so that the tabs extended outward. I knew I could take advantage of these for my "side" projects and improve their strength for free.
- This gives a massive doorway into the rear berth of nearly 24 inches. I find ingress and egress to be far superior being able to crawl out using the battery box top.
- Make the step heights consistent. All are 12" risers whereas the stock post varies by several inches.
- I also wanted larger treads so that it is safe and as easy to descend like stairs. I think they're called boat stairs... go figure.
- They had to be extremely solid - I can't tolerate creaks and groans from my wood projects.
- Gas shock to help lift and hold the stairs in the upward position.
- Match the interior "Rosewood" of the existing trim of the boat.

2021 version changes.
- Reduce the width to about 19 inches.
- Lighten the design. I think the old one was heavier than it needed to be. The down position was "stopped" by the legs actually landing on the bottom legs. Luckily, they always stayed nice and flush, but I think that was more luck that planning. In the new version, the legs on the top moving piece will not extend past the middle step and the side pieces will integrate stops so they rest on the SS posts in the down position.
- Lighten the color. I like a lighter interior and I'm changing all the wood-work to a light Teak coloration.



This one will be a fairly quick project... weather is good and the boat has to be in Florida at the end of the month!
More to come,
Inq