Our weekend working on the boat almost ended in disaster. For years we have been using a small set of plastic steps to get on and off the boat. Getting on the the boat was never an issue but getting off we always called it the leap of faith. Now we are older and Ileene had a near fall onto the concrete dock. It’s about a 4’ drop. So all projects come to a halt and I am home building a proper boarding platform. Something I should have done a long time ago. I only have three days to complete this as we are due back on board Fri morning. I decided to build it out of poplar which was not my first choice but I have it on hand and time is short. Today was just getting all the panels milled and glued up. Tomorrow will be cutting and assembly. 
Paul

So glad she wasn’t hurt. Never had that problem getting off the ship. However, trying to convince the OOD to let us back on after liberty was a different story 

Made good progress today getting the box complete. Tomorrow sand it off, put on the top and cut the stringers and install the steps. I left all my cordless tools on the boat so I had to go back to using two old corded drills for drilling and drivers. I now have a much greater appreciation for cordless drills and drivers 😎
Paul

Well I didn’t manage to get it done in time and it’s off to the boat tomorrow. We will have to be extra careful this weekend and I will finish it up next week. 
Paul

Well the title of this post is more a’propos than I expected. We both got our J&J covid vaccination yesterday and it knocked Ileene flat. I’m fine and can’t even tell where they gave me the shot. But that means no going to the boat so I get a chance to finish up the platform. The ladder part is done except for belt sanding off the dowels and all that’s left is the railing. 
Paul

Nice work Paul! And so sorry about your wife! That sucks!

Got a question, would you be against putting cleats below each step in addition to the dowels? The cleats would not be seen unless you got down there looked under each step. I just see if you get some good weight on those steps, you may be looking at splitting at the ends unless you have some support underneath? I don't know, perhaps this is common on boats, that type of joinery.

OOOOOOOOOF wooden nails too I like it.

I thought about putting cleats but decided to go with just dowels. I figured cleats are always an option even down the line. I would like to see how two 3/8” dowels and two stainless steel screws hold up. I’m betting the poplar won’t last more than 2-3 years. At that point it will be my son’s problem !😎

2 hours ago, AndrewB said:

OOOOOOOOOF wooden nails too I like it.

Now I like that terminology, wooden nails! Cool Andrew, I got a new one now.

9 hours ago, Masonsailor said:

I’m betting the poplar won’t last more than 2-3 years. At that point it will be my son’s problem !😎

 

Umm Paul, you may want to review the title of this post again!

John you were right. After I finished the ladder I’m not convinced that the dowels and screws will be enough so I will need to add cleats. I was considering dadoing them in initially which would have been more traditional but was trying to save some time. Best laid plans. As we didn’t get to the boat this weekend time is no longer an issue. 
Paul

Every time I have tried to save time Murphy shows up for a  session.

 

The guy haunts me.

3 hours ago, Gunny said:

Every time I have tried to save time Murphy shows up for a  session.

 

The guy haunts me.

 

 

 .. YOU said "HIS" name. 

Productive day today. Attached the posts for the handrail and started gluing up the handrail which is the last piece. The boss says she likes it so I guess that’s all that matters 😎

Paul

Finished up the rail and got the first coat of oil on the base. Tomorrow will be finishing up and attaching the rail and stairs. I’m hoping to be finished up tomorrow. 
Paul

Looks great Paul!

Beautiful work. Nice joinery on the handrail

6 hours ago, Cal said:

Looks great Paul!

It sure does.   Danl

Super job.  I love the idea that it comes apart in sections for transport and can be quickly and easily reassembled.  

Getting into the back of the pickup at this end will be the challenge. Once I get to the boat there will lots of help. Ironically I wanted to build it out of African mahogany but Ileene wanted a blonde wood and also less expensive. If I had built it out of mahogany I don’t know if we would have been able to get it into the truck without doing something extreme such as renting a forklift. The poplar won’t last as long but it will be interesting to see how long it will go. I have saturated it with Carter’s Timber Oil which is basically linseed oil with a few other preservatives added. We use on teak deck furniture etc and it works well. 
Paul