Project: Sailboat Dock Step

[Mr. Lahey]

This is probably my first real project, and a gift for someone. It's a step that will be tied to a dock, it is to help board a sailboat.

I started this project by learning to use Google Sketchup. It took about 4 days to get the hang of sketchup, but was well worth it.

After designing it I started to build it. It was constructed with 2x10s and 3 inch drywall screws. I constructed it as 2 separate components.

After building the 2 components I gave each 4 coats of spar urethane, and then assembled the 2 components. Then I added abrasive non slip strips to the steps.

I'm quite happy with the results. It isn't perfect-the components at the bottom are not perfectly flush, so it has a slight wobble. The way it will be tied to the dock it wont really matter and should still be stable. But I would like to remedy that type of mistake on future projects.

Comments or suggestions are welcome!

 

[Gotcha6]

:thumbs_up:thumbs_up
As for Sketchup, you just found yourself getting a 'collateral education'. You only wanted to build a dock step, but you picked up a skill that can now be called upon for other projects. After a few years, Sketchup for a projects such as this will be useless, but for more complex projects it will be quite necessary.
Great looking step. Simple, functional, and sturdy with minimal effort required.

 

[Ray Martin]

The steps came out quite nice. Congrats. I think that gifts like this (the ones that you make for a friend or family member) are the ones that are the most appreciated.

 

[sapwood]

Great progress . . . both the woodworking and Sketchup :icon_thum
Next project could be an assembly table . . . you may not finish between meals on the next one :mrgreen:

Roger

 

[toolferone]

Looks good. As far as the wobble, you could take a jigsaw and cut a small arc on each side and front on the bottom creating 4 feet. This should help reduce the wobble.

 

[Trent Mason]

Nice work. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap The only thing I would've done differently is used deck screws, since it will be outdoors. :icon_thum

 

[Canuck]

Once pressed into service it should last a good long while!:eusa_danc

Those anti-slip strips is a thoughtful and wise idea for this application.

I am sure that it will be appreciated.

Wayne

 

[Mt. Gomer]

That came out great!!!