Side Steps of my trailer rotting

[phantom268]

At least one of the side step wooden platform on one side of my trailer has pretty much disintegrated. It is the left rear section, factory trailer for a 98 Pro Air.

I was just curious if anyone might happen to have the dimensions (or a template etc) handy for this or any/all of those panels on those trailers? Or get me pointed in the right direction so I can replace it.

Any advice is appreciated!

Jeff

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Side Steps of my trailer rotting

The trailer for my '94 did the same thing. I would recommend removing the good side and tracing it out onto cardboard. Then have some diamondplate cut to match the template. Replacing the wood with more wood will just cause this problem to come up again later. Add the diamondplate and never worry about it again.

[tski97]

RE: Side Steps of my trailer rotting

I had the same problem so I made them out of wood again however I then had Line-X sprayed on them and they cameout good with good traction and they should never go bad again. Just another idea.

[phantom268]

RE: Side Steps of my trailer rotting

yeah, I was actually considering doing that Jeff thanks for the tip. I might go ahead and just diamondplate the whole thing, replacing all the current wood on there cause I'm sure it will just rot out eventually.

Any recommendations on where to purchase the diamondplate? Or suggestions on thickness etc?

Thanks!

[Searay]

RE: Side Steps of my trailer rotting

I believe the carpet causes the wood to rot. Without the carpet and a good coating the wood should last indefinitely at a very low cost compared to the diamond plate. I replaced the rotting carpeted steps on my 1996 Ski Nautique trailer with 1/2" exterior plywood coated with 3 cans of Rust Oleum bed liner spray from Lowes. Plywood was $23 and I have some left over. The spray coating was another $24. The surface is non skid and the steps look good.

[Toster]

SeaRay, did you do the part that covers the fenders? Does it rub the boat hull, and leave marks?

[jhiestand]

I went the rhino-lined wood route also, but just replaced the carpet on the insides of the wheel wells. When I removed them to inspect the wood I noticed the plywood was still in pretty good shape (unlike the rotted-out steps). Obviously since they're vertical they drain/dry pretty well. Like yourself, I'd be too nervous having the boat rub against non-carpeted sides.

On a separate note, my "rhino-lined" wood held up for only a season before it started flaking off. While this may have been due to the less expensive brand of liner I used, I replaced it with a product similar to King Starboard. I lucked into a 4' x 8' sheet at a local plastics supplier for much cheaper than I could find diamondplate. I'd really dig the look of diamond plate, but it was cost-prohibitive for me and I'd guess it would've been a lot more difficult to cut/shape.

A couple pix are on this thread. http://planetnautique.com/index.php?...77&start=0

[igkya]

diamond plate may look nice, but is slippery when wet. If you go this route, u may want to consider using something like gator grip as a step pad.