Typical E-Mail Help

The following is an actual sample of free help given to a member via e-mail.

 

Hello Dave, I would like to build an access stairway to get on my boat from the dock, my access on the boat is about 36 inches from the dock. We struggled last year loading our gear and so I thought I would get "handy and build a "step" to get on the boat. I need a stairway and about a two foot platform at the top. The width should be no more than 30 inches.The stairs would run parrallel to the side of the boat. Using your stairs "calculator" I should need 4 runs and 5 risers. no problem there. My question is how do I build the "paltform" part so that it is safe to stand on, and take the weight of at least two adults. any ideas? Bill

 

Hi Bill,

Just a question or two to clarify your problem:

Is the boat 36" higher than the dock or 36" horizontally away from it?

Hand drawn sketch from Dave to clarify his question to our member.

Which scenario are you: 1 or 2 in the above sketch?

If #1 is your deal, there won't be any problem building a set of stairs to fit as long as the boat isn't too far from the dock. #2, of course, requires an overhang and needs the steps to be anchored to the dock.

Can the steps be attached to the dock, if they are to overhang the dock?

I hope the dock is a floating one where you don't have to contend with 25' tides down in your area. I had my boat tied up to a dock in Stewart, BC where there was 15' tides and the dock was on pilings. A steel ladder was attached to the dock.

Dave

 

your #1 is what I want to build. there would about 6 inches from the boat to the dock where I have fenders to protect the boat but that is not an issue. The other non issue is that it is a floating dock and you are correct about tidal action. My boat is on the St. John River system where the tides do not affect..certainly not like the Bay of Fundy with the 30 to 40 foot tides! I look forward to your comments, thanks also for your comments on Amazon.com, I was not aware of the process and will certainly keep that in mind.

 

Hi Bill,

I would build the steps from 3/4" plywood. Instead of stringers use solid sides. Maybe make the steps and landing separately to keep the weight down. Then just screw them together when you are at the dock.

Here is a drawing of what I mean...

Hand drawn sketch of stairs with measurements.

Remember the first riser is less the tread thickness. The heights: 6 7/16, 28 1/16 and 35 1/4 are not including the 3/4" tread. To keep the weight down, I would use 3/4" treads with 3/4" risers. Have the risers come down 1 1/2" more than the rise to attach a 1 1/2" high piece of ply to it to support the tread back. The above detail shows the riser extended to have a support for the back of the tread. The front of the tread is supported by the riser below it.

Hope this helps,

Dave

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Hi, I'm Dave Osborne. With over 50 years experience as a journeyman carpenter, foreman and contractor in heavy construction I enjoyed working with apprentices and sharing the tricks of the trade that others shared with me. Now I get emails from Members all over the world and we include many of my answers in our Free Monthly Newsletters. Some of my answers include drawings and instructions specific to a project, but may also answer your questions. I use correct construction terminology, so you can confidently inform your building supply dealers or contractors exactly what you need.

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