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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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3 Of Our Favourite Boat Trailer Steps
Boat trailer steps are an essential component for any boating enthusiast. They provide safe and convenient access to your vessel, eliminating the potential risks of climbing onto a boat.
Key Takeaway
Boat trailer steps are essential for safe and convenient access to your boat on a trailer. They come in various designs, including permanent and detachable ones, and are made of aluminum, plastic, or steel.
Summary
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- Boat trailer steps provide safe and easy access to your boat on a trailer, eliminating the risk of climbing onto a boat.
- There are two main types of boat trailer steps: permanent and detachable.
- Permanent steps are fixed to the trailer and offer more stability and security.
- Detachable steps are removable for easy storage and transport.
- Boat trailer steps are typically made of aluminum, plastic, or steel.
- When choosing boat trailer steps, consider the type of boat trailer you have, the material of the steps, and the weight capacity.
- Some popular boat trailer steps include the Easy Step System, Megaware Keelguard Flexstep Pro Trailer Step Kit, and EZ-Troll Fishing Boat Side Step.
Getting in and out of your boat while it’s on its trailer can be dangerous and inconvenient.
Even the most agile-footed of us may appreciate a couple of footholds and something to hold onto as we prep our boats. This is especially important during the colder months when surfaces become dangerously slippy.
To tackle this problem, several companies have devised innovative solutions that allow steps to be added to a boat trailer. Some are permanent fixtures, while others are temporary and can be easily removed or moved.
In this article, we’ll examine some available solutions to see if they do what they say on the tin and if we would recommend them to all boat owners.
The Top Boat Trailer Steps
Easy Step System
The easy-step system has quickly become one of the most popular solutions for adding steps to a boat trailer.
One of the system’s biggest selling points is that it has a type or model that works with almost any boat trailer on the market today.
So, if you’re concerned about slipping or just looking to keep your feet dry while unloading or loading your boat, this system is well worth a look.
To ensure stability, every step system comes equipped with a handrail system, making ascending or descending as safe as possible.
Each step system is made in the USA, so it’s a great way to support local businesses and help the economy.
The easy-step system is worth considering if you’ve ever had trouble getting into your boat while on the trailer.
Prices start at around $380 but will depend on the type of boat trailer you’re using, so you may end up spending slightly more.
User sentiment is essentially very positive in terms of customer reviews. It’s not difficult to understand why you’re getting an expertly constructed piece of equipment that may save you from severe injury or worse for a reasonable price.
Megaware Keelguard Flexstep Pro Trailer Step Kit
The Flexstep Pro Kit offers similar functionality to the easy step system but costs around 1/3 of the price. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better buy.
Perhaps Flexstep’s biggest shortcomings are the lack of supporting handrails and the lack of diversity in its product lineup. It’s more of a one-solution-fits-all approach.
If you have mobility issues, the easy step is likely the better system. However, if you’re energetic, the Flexstep offers the most functionality without the additional expense.
No drilling into your trailer frame is required, and the step can be removed and reattached when traveling.
The angle of the step is also adjustable, so you can theoretically place it anywhere on your trailer. This is especially useful if stepping onto your boat is more accessible from the front, back, or sides.
The Flexstep is constructed from aluminum and is suitable for fresh and saltwater conditions. Rust will not be an issue.
Rated for 300 lbs of load, it should be sturdy enough for most users.
Customer reviews are very positive, with no complaints, but some observations are that you may need to invest in your bolts to ensure a secure fitting. This is due to the bolts provided being a bit on the short side.
Overall, we think this is an outstanding piece of kit that will make stepping onto your boat trailer much easier.
EZ-Troll Fishing Boat Side Step
If you’re looking for something even more affordable than the flex step system, then the EZ-Troll Fishing Boat Side Step might tick all your boxes.
This product is mainly utilitarian rather than a work of art. However, it does what it’s supposed to do, which is the main point.
As it’s constructed from Polyethylene, there are no concerns about corrosion, saltwater, or rust.
Perhaps the only downside is that it’s a permanent fixture on your trailer. There’s no easy way to remove it when traveling quickly. However, it’s pretty hidden, so it shouldn’t cause any problems.
Customer sentiment is very positive, and there are few complaints. It’s a thoroughly recommended product for an inexpensive boat trailer step.
Why Buy A Boat Trailer Step?
If you’re reading this article, we’re going to assume that you’re already looking to get a boat trailer step, but if you’re on the fence, here are some good reasons to get one.
- They’re much safer than climbing onto the boat without one
- They allow you to keep your feet dry when launching from the trailer
- Unloading and loading gear is far easier when a step is present
- Basic models can be bought for under $150
- It can make you look far more graceful getting onto your boat
What to Look For When Buying Boat Trailer Steps
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Type of Boat Trailer: The first factor to consider when choosing boat trailer steps is the type of boat trailer you own. Different trailers have different designs and structures. Hence, the steps made for one may not suit another. For example, a bunk-style trailer may require different steps than a roller-style trailer.
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Material: The material of the boat trailer steps is yet another critical factor. The common materials used for steps are aluminum, steel, and plastic. Each material has its pros and cons. For instance, Aluminum steps are lightweight and resistant to rust but may not be as durable as steel steps.
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Weight Capacity: The steps should support the weight of the person using them. Therefore, the weight capacity of the steps is a crucial factor. If the steps are not sturdy enough, they may be unsafe.
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Size and Dimension: The size and dimension of the steps should be such that they fit perfectly in your trailer. Taking measurements of the area where you plan to install the steps before purchasing them is a good practice.
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Ease of installation: The steps should be easy to install and have all the necessary hardware. A complicated installation process may require professional help, which could add to the overall cost.
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Non-slip Surface: Boat trailer steps are often used in wet conditions, so they should have a non-slip surface to prevent accidents.
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Durability: Since the steps will be exposed to harsh weather conditions, they should be durable and able to withstand them. This is where material choice, like choosing steps made from corrosion-resistant material, comes into play.
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Aesthetic Appeal: While functionality is crucial, the boat trailer steps should also match the design and color of your boat trailer to maintain its aesthetic appeal.
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Price: Lastly, the cost of the boat trailer steps is also an essential factor. While you should not compromise on quality for the price, ensuring that the steps fit within your budget is essential.
Some Related Questions
How should a boat properly sit on a trailer?
The boat’s hull should be comfortably seated on the trailer’s bunks or rollers, ensuring the boat is centralized for optimal balance. The boat’s bow should be closely fitted against the winch, preventing unwanted movement during transit.
Additionally, the stern should not project too far off the trailer’s back, reducing the risk of damage. Lastly, to guarantee the boat’s secure placement, it should be fastened to the trailer using tie-down straps.
This ensures safety and reduces potential damage during transportation.
How do I keep my boat trailer safe?
The safety of your boat trailer is of the utmost importance to prevent theft or damage. Installing trailer couple locks is a key method to ensure this.
These locks, also known as hitch and tongue locks, offer significant protection to the boat trailer’s most vulnerable point: the hitch.
When these couple locks are combined with a wheel lock, they provide extensive security for your trailer.
Final Thoughts
Boat trailer steps are instrumental in ensuring safe and efficient access to boats mounted on trailers. They come in two primary designs: detachable and permanent steps.
The detachable steps feature a removable design, which makes them easy to store and transport. This is especially beneficial for boaters with limited storage space or those frequently traveling to different boating locations.
On the other hand, permanent steps offer a fixed installation, providing more stability and security for those who frequently use their boats in one location.
The material of boat trailer steps is typically high-quality aluminum, plastic, or steel construction, each offering its benefits in terms of durability, weight, and resistance to corrosion.
The installation process is designed to be simple, often with pre-drilled holes included to ease the mounting process.
Safety features are a critical part of boat trailer steps design. They usually come with non-slip surfaces to prevent slipping during wet conditions.
Some also include additional handrails for increased safety, providing extra support when climbing onto the boat.
In conclusion, boat trailer steps are essential for safe and convenient access to your boat. Various designs are available to suit different needs and preferences.
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