Dock Steps

Boat ownership has its rewards. Finding that perfect cove untouched by mere mortals is always a laudable goal. Discussions with other boat owners suffice not only to revive old adventures but mark clear advice on starting new ones. Often owners will share destination ideas that are spot on perfect.

There’s not a boater alive who doesn’t understand the call of the sea. With great abandon many take to the water in hopes of gaining some peace, catching a trophy fish or impressing the neighbors. One overlooked task in the equation is boater safety. Most owners have taken a safety class but they fail to incorporate even the most rudimentary of lessons in their daily boating activities.

Everyone should practice safety first and safety last. Boating accidents are greatly reduced and many times prevented with good education and practice. Accident prevention begins at the dock before anyone even enters the boat. Starting with the literal steps one takes to set foot on ship. Choosing safe, well made and easy to use dock step is one decision everyone can make.

Dock steps should be well made to withstand the rigors of weather and regular use. Materials like untreated wood must be avoided. Mold will collect on the exposed wood and limit traction while destroying the step. The last thing anyone wants is an accident on the dock. A solid choice for quality and protection is fiberglass because it’s weather resistant, easy to clean and will hold up well over time.

Low light, slippery steps and a moving dock are safety enemies and must be avoided. It is nearly impossible to climb steps at night or in the early morning hours when precious little light makes them difficult to see. Be sure the dock steps are safe by choosing a high visibility color like yellow or white. Choosing colors that are easy to see will draw attention and people will be less likely to miss a step on an unsteady dock.

The surface of the dock steps should have a gripping texture. Fiberglass on its own may become slippery which is why it is necessary to add a surface enhancement. Grip tape is a good choice because it has a sandpaper-like surface that retains its gripping efficacy even after getting wet.

Accidents will continue to happen regardless of the amount of preparation one chooses to make. Keeping them to a minimum is necessary. That means eliminating all accidents that are preventable by practicing safety at the dock.