Cutting transom to add walk through stairs on 43DC or 53MY?

[Propeller Head]

A 43DC or 53MY would be perfect for our family but I can not live with a ladder to access the swim platform. Is it possible to cut out the transom to add custom stairs like you see on newer motoryachts? If I did this in conjunction with a full paint job, any guess on how expensive this would be? If it could be done for an additional $10K-$15K, it may not be out of the question for a boat we would plan to keep for a couple of decades. Seems like Jarret Bay or Slane's could do this project correctly. I realize this would be a major project with interior work required as well but my questions are 1) cost guesstimate 2) is this too crazy to even consider?

I have seen the spiral stair option on the swim platform and am not crazy about that option but may have to get used to it if cutting the transom to add custom stairs is out of the question.

Here is a photo to add some clarity to what I am looking for in the end:http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KGBnskLmKxY/TO1vYqPF8HI/AAAAAAAACvM/vG81WLIGjOo/s1600/Keldi%2Btransom.jpg

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I'm sure it could be done. And it looks like that photo you attached has those stairs going halfway down and the bottom half would then fold up into the top half when not in use. Neat design and with that setup you would only be cutting into the top half of the transom. Also taking up less room in the interior. You may be on to something.

 

[sandspur1966]

A more likely option would be extending the hull with a platform with integrated stairs along the lines of what Hatteras did in their "Sport Deck" versions at both 65 and 75 feet.

Most of the ones I have seen done have been odd looking to me and it would be an expensive project if you went to an experienced yard to do it right.

Most here would tell you to go to Tom Slane first. He is extraordinarily knowledgeable and will give you the straightest answer you could hope for on your options.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I kinda like the idea. The flip down stairs would act as a filler when not in use and the boat would still appear as it did originally except for in the aft stateroom where you would see the slope of the top half of the stairs protruding down above the middle of the berth. It shouldn't be in the way at all.
Something like this:

 

[bobk]

How about a small platform at deck level or one step down, and then run SS pipe stairs parallel to the transom down to the swim platform? That ought to be cheaper, avoid the spiral things (which I'm not comfortable on either) and provide secure stairs that could be removed if the time came.

Marquipt makes something like it in a tide rider stair. http://www.marquipt.com/library/pdf/seastair-swivelplatform.pdf but you would not need the articulating function.

Bobk

 

[hcalmar]

I considered this option once that allows the queen berth inside to remain unincumbered.

 

[Propeller Head]

Thanks for all of the feedback and input. If I decide to do this, I will post the research here in case anyone is interested.