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Stairs for Sportfish Bridge

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by MBevins, Aug 14, 2022.

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  1. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    I've got a friend looking at a 1989 45 Viking, One of the big detractors is the ladder to the bridge. Has anyone seen this or a similar boat with a replacement set of steps created for it?
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If your friend has a better design in mind, Find a local metal fab guy to build it.
  3. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    There's thread on THT on this very topic, since I asked there several years ago. Just do a search there for "flybridge stairs" to find it. Don't think I can post a link here. I think it'll be tough on that Viking since there's not a ton of room there.
  4. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Yes, that's the concern, if he can't modify it, he'll probably pass on the boat.
  5. teaser26

    teaser26 New Member

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    Pipewelders has made a motorized lift that mounts to the ladder for people that can't make it up the ladder.
  6. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Thanks, but he's not that old or an invalid by any means. He's just a big tall guy that doesn't want to climb a ladder all the time.
  7. SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    Then unless he has wings or the ability for a large leap, he should be looking at an Express or in the case of Bertram, there was a 46 Moppie on each of the two major listing sites.
  8. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Fished on an older custom sf boat built in Stuart that had a ladder made with teak, had larger step pads, a better handrail, and moved the base out some for a better angle. It was much better than a standard metal flybridge ladder.
  9. teaser26

    teaser26 New Member

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    I second the express comment. Staircases take up more space than you think. There's room in the saloon, but also the bridge. The staircase needs a wide opening. I've seen a modern 52' Viking where they had they replaced the standard, sideways ladder with one in the cockpit going up stern to bow at a lesser degree but took up more room. You MIGHT be able to have a different ladder fabricated with the base further away from the bulkhead, but you're going to be losing cockpit space.
  10. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Thanks all, but it's a moot point now as he's passed on the boat in question.
  11. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I had the same perspective when I rebuilt a 53c. I found this "ladder" at Sam's, and I was able to modify it for use aboard the convertible. works like a ladder, but feels like steps.

    Attached Files:

    alvareza, Capt Ralph and bayoubud like this.
  12. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Yes, that's what kind of mod I had in mind.