Stairboard stair tread

[Toolsntoys]

I am building a set of stairs for my swim swim platform access. I spoke to a guy who does frabracation and he said that 1" stairboard stair treads will flex and I may need to consider adding a bar underneath for added rigidity. Does any one have experience with using stairboard for stair treads. I've seen lots of boat where owners have used stairboard for the boarding ladders in place of teak. 1" seams like it would be beefy enough. Thoughts? Pete

 

[jim rosenthal]

I do not have experience with this, but am keen to see what you find out, as I am thinking about the same thing for my coaming ladder.

 

[eze2bme]

I replaced the teak treads on my swim platform ladders with 1" starboard 2 years ago and have had no problems with flexing. FYI - I'm in freshwater if that may make any difference.

 

[rob71]

Consider the weight of the heaviest person that might use it !
I thought the ladders on my boat were very sturdy until a guest (275 lbs. +)
Was hoisting himself up and things started coming apart.
Safety first

 

[SEVEN]

I've seen ladders with and without metal supports.

 

[Scarlett]

The guy down the dock from me has the non skid starboard inserts with slots cut in them on his swim step. They are about 2 feet square and 3/4 inch and they flex a lot when you walk on them, however they have never broken, my guess is if those were 1" they would probably be ok. John

 

[SeaEric]

I have used 1" King Starboard for transom boarding ladder treads (non Hatteras) with excellent results. I'm as big of a guy as you'll ever meet and they did fine. The treads in question were about 16" wide and probably 5" or 6" inches deep. The 1" thick material is pretty robust.