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Replacing ladder on convertible with stairs

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by zen, Jul 3, 2018.

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  1. zen

    zen Member

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    I like the speed and layout of convertibles, they fit my style of cruising with a bit of fishing, but I hate going up and down the ladder. So I've looked at a few vessels with the idea of converting the ladder to something easier to get up and down. I understand this will likely hurt the resale value, so I want to do something cheaper and easier than full blown fiberglass stairs that can be reverted to the original style when I sell it in the future. My thought is to basically remove the existing ladder and replace it with something not as steep, bigger rungs and maybe a railing.

    Finding a good vessel on which this can be done has been more complicated than I thought. I think any design with a ladder facing port/starboard (ex: 2004 Viking 52) as opposed to forward/aft makes it too difficult. If you look only at forward/aft angled ladders, you then have to consider whether the ladder leads to a "hole" in the flybridge or a "notch" cutout. An example of what I mean would be a 2005 54 Hatteras with a hole vs a similar era 60ft Hatteras with a notch. With the hole you might hit your head coming up from the wrong angle.

    With those parameters in mind, does anyone have any recommendations for a vessel that might be a good fit? I'm mostly looking at 8-15 year old models in the 50-56ft range and am reluctantly starting to think this gets easier at 60ft. Eating into cockpit space does not bother me too much as long as it can be reversed. I've also looked at Tiara 4800's, smaller than I want but I do love the stairs. Mikelsons are nice too, but nothing available on the east coast. Fan of Maritimo, but haven't been able to find a good fit. I really like Hatteras 54 series II vintage vessels, but I think it might be difficult to pull off and have been considering a 60, but it's more boat than I need.

    Any input is appreciated, thank you.
  2. PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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  3. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Personally I wouldn’t pick a Silverton over a Viking or Hatteras because of stairs unless used mostly in sheltered waters.

    Ladders are a pain. In some cases you can redo them with a better angle and larger wider steps using up minimal space.
  4. PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    The Silverton has a Donald Blount hull design, who also has designed and consulted to Hatteras and Viking. That is a plus.
    Yes, they are executed differently, but to get built in steps that is your option for the last 8 to 15 years or a Sea Ray Sedan or an Australian option.
    I grew up with ladders and have no problem with them although I find I am in agreement with the OP and like the for/aft orientation better.
  5. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Luhrs convertible's have flybridge stairs. Might be too small for you though. The 41' is actually larger than 41 I think.
  6. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Can't suggest boats, although those with built-in stairs -- we have that -- solved our issues.

    But I've often thought maybe a circular staircase design could be made to replace a straight ladder... and would offer the advantage of being "reversible" if necessary somewhere down the road...

    -Chris