Just Ordered a Set of Boat Trailer Steps ~

[A-Jay]

After spraining my knee recently putting my rig on the trailer, I needed another plan.

Pretty sure this is the second time I've managed to do this in three years.

Regardless of how 'spry' I might think I am, my knee ligaments are telling me otherwise.

So before I totally wipe myself out climbing over the bow like a spider money, 

I swallowed my pride and placed an order.

After plenty of R&D the past week or so, I went with BoatEFX Trailer Step.

https://boatefx.com/

They have the mounting 'position & design' I preferred, additionally I shouldn't have to relocate anything on the trailer prior to the Step installation.

(spare tire or trailer jack wheel assembly) But I will if it's called for. 

The price was 'competitive', I received a military discount which is Always appreciated and I enjoy supporting small business. 

I'll do some follow up here with before & after installation pics/video.

As well as a post use, on the water/at the ramp review, when the opportunity presents itself.

Finally, I have to admit, I wish I had made this move before I 'needed' to,

but when it comes to this type of deal, I just don't think that way.

At this point, I probably should start.

More to follow.

A-Jay

 

 

[gim]

I believe these are the emoticons you're looking for.

 

Better safe than sorry.

[A-Jay]

If the shoe fits . . . . .

A-Jay

[Siebert Outdoors]

I've been considering the same thing.  I just wish I had more room in the garage.  Let me know how you like that step.  Its the same brand I was looking at.

[FryDog62]

I put Ezee steps on my PVB/trailer a month after purchasing it. Stepping down off the higher bow of a deep-V was okay but I did smack my ankle on one awkward dismount and that did it for me. I stuck the landing, but knew I got lucky and needed a better solution. No regrets, have had several people ask me about it at ramps and all say they think it looks like a good idea and it is.

[A-Jay]

14 minutes ago, Siebert Outdoors said:

I've been considering the same thing.  I just wish I had more room in the garage.  Let me know how you like that step.  Its the same brand I was looking at.

Will do.

A-Jay 

 

[airshot]

I guess I am lucky as all the ramps I use have docks along side.  There are many times I have launched and retrieved without one, but that was in my younger days!  At 73, I choose ramps with docks and after latching the winch strap, I just step off onto the dock. Are these steps needed due to a lack of a dock ?? 

[A-Jay]

9 hours ago, airshot said:

I guess I am lucky as all the ramps I use have docks along side.  There are many times I have launched and retrieved without one, but that was in my younger days!  At 73, I choose ramps with docks and after latching the winch strap, I just step off onto the dock. Are these steps needed due to a lack of a dock ?? 

Not sure what type of rig you'e running, but for mine and where I fish, your process is not an option for me.  With or without a dock. 

Steps add safety for me.

A-Jay

[Jig Man]

I never considered them, however my current boat came with them.  I’d really hate to have to do without them.

[airshot]

11 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Not sure what type of rig you'e running, but for mine and where I fish, your process is not an option for me.  With or without a dock. 

Steps add safety for me.

A-Jay

My boat is mostly open, a side console model, but did the same with my cuddy cabin model.  Just curious why the steps were needed I guess, and whether it is something I should consider...

[A-Jay]

On 5/27/2023 at 6:26 PM, airshot said:

 Just curious why the steps were needed I guess, and whether it is something I should consider...

I noted why I went this direction in the first post.

Whether you should consider them is up to you.

 

A-Jay

[GaryH]

Smart move Andy. I put steps on mine last year and glad I did. 

[SC53]

Here’s mine.  
The tall handle helps a bunch.

[gim]

6 hours ago, SC53 said:

Here’s mine.  
The tall handle helps a bunch.

So do they stay on there the whole time or are they designed to be removed? I feel like they might get in the way when you’re making a sharp turn and they might rub against the bumper.

[casts_by_fly]

I keep trying to convince my dad to put a set on. He’ll be 69 this year and is pretty spry considering how hard he worked his body, but he doesn’t see the need. I get it, he has a system that works for him and that’s what’s important. But I’d rather he figure it out before a busted knee or ankle or worse. 
 

can’t wait to see the setup for you. Hope it does everything you’re looking for. 

[SC53]

39 minutes ago, gimruis said:

So do they stay on there the whole time or are they designed to be removed? I feel like they might get in the way when you’re making a sharp turn and they might rub against the bumper.

Permanent mount. I have a swing away tongue which adds about 3’ to the front of the trailer. You’d have to jackknife it to make it touch anything. 
here’s a better picture 

[ironbjorn]

Never seen or heard of this company before. Now after reading this thread last night I'm getting ads. Proof "they" monitor and listen to everything.

 

[TOXIC]

For those that dont know, on most boats the bow strap connecting point is far enough back on the keel that you used to just lay on the deck over the nose of the boat and attach the strap. With todays bigger and multiple graph mounts, that’s no longer possible.  Even if you were at a dock, you would still have to step from the dock to the trailer to tighten the bow strap.  My Ranger has a factory step level with the trailer that helps stepping down but it is a stretch and not as easy getting back up to the deck.  The multiple steps that AJ has mounted allow you to remain upright and just step off the deck onto the trailer and down to the bow wench.  Getting back up level with the deck is just like walking up some short steps.  Buddy just put some on his trailer and can’t believe he waited this long to do it.  They also help getting into the boat while it is on the trailer and dry land.  Finally, if you have enough room to drop your tailgate on your truck, the steps help you just walk up to the tailgate and into the bed of the truck.  Good piece of equipment.  You can see his from out trip attached to my truck. 

[SC53]

A little clarity.

My first picture is a little misleading. The swing away tongue is retracted back and the truck bumper right up against the trailer That’s so that the boat and the truck fit into my carport. This is only for storage.

When towing, the swing away tongue it rotated into the straight position and the steps are at least 3’ from the truck. 

Hope this helps explain a little better.

[slonezp]

Getting old sucks

[A-Jay]

27 minutes ago, slonezp said:

Getting old sucks

Yup ~

A-Jay

[VolFan]

It’s not limitations that limit you. It’s not recognizing them.  Age is just a number.

A number that hurts. ?

[airshot]

According to my wife, these " golden" years just means that is the color of our urine !!

[A-Jay]

Trailer steps came UPS yesterday.

Completed the install today.

Easy - a couple wrenches, a third arm and we are good to go.

Spent some extra time with the fitment decision.

Only wanted to mount this deal once. 

And I didn't have to move anything which was nice.

Here's 1 'before' pic and 3 'after install' pics.

In the garage is nice but the first few 'At the Ramp' evolutions

will tell the rest of this story.

A-Jay

 

 

[gim]

Say goodbye to the spider monkey! ?