Transom Steps

[Itsanss]

Hey, ya'll. Got a 1958 Texas Maid Falcon we're in the middle of fixing up. Not restoring, but fixing up and making it usable and comfortable again.

Anyway, the transom is swiss cheese from years of modifications, etc. Was wondering if anyone out there had installed transom steps on these old aluminum boats or not. I've seen a couple pictures where there appears to be some sort of handle or step on the back of these boats. I don't know if they're factory or not, though....

Here's a couple things I've seen:



Here's what I was thinking about getting:

 

[fhhuber]

Steps installed such that they come out of the water when you plane will have virtually no effect on how the boat handles.
No problem at all with that as long as they are secured well. I'd add a good size 1/2 inch ply doubler inside the transom for each step to spread the load of someone using it to climb in.

Mounted such that they act as planing tabs might help or hurt boat handling... It varies a lot and a small angle change can make a big difference. I'd tend to avoid the issue and ensure the steps are spaced above the bottom of the transom. They can be WAY up near/above water line at rest like in those old hull photos (no way they affect planing)... or down considerably from the ones in your pictures. 3 of 4 inches between the step and the bottom of the transom should be enough to get them out of the water when on plane.

Since you say the transom is full of holes already....
If (when) the wood in the transom needs replacement, consider replacing the aluminum at the same time. Not that expensive to get the added materials and if its riveted its really not that hard a job.

 

[jbcurt00]

If you can find them reasonably priced, Step-N-Trim tabs are vintage appropriate for your Texas Maid
http://www.google.com/search?q=step...U7NLLAhWJNiYKHdtrB9YQ_AUICSgD&biw=360&bih=615

Para Trim is a similar step/trim tab but I dont know that they are vintage or may be more modern knock-offs.

The pix you posted are of stern handles for those boats, not steps..

 

[Itsanss]

No Title

Steps installed such that they come out of the water when you plane will have virtually no effect on how the boat handles.
No problem at all with that as long as they are secured well. I'd add a good size 1/2 inch ply doubler inside the transom for each step to spread the load of someone using it to climb in.

Mounted such that they act as planing tabs might help or hurt boat handling... It varies a lot and a small angle change can make a big difference. I'd tend to avoid the issue and ensure the steps are spaced above the bottom of the transom. They can be WAY up near/above water line at rest like in those old hull photos (no way they affect planing)... or down considerably from the ones in your pictures. 3 of 4 inches between the step and the bottom of the transom should be enough to get them out of the water when on plane.

Since you say the transom is full of holes already....
If (when) the wood in the transom needs replacement, consider replacing the aluminum at the same time. Not that expensive to get the added materials and if its riveted its really not that hard a job.

Cool. Honestly, hadn't really even thought about them affecting handling. But, as you said, mounted high like in the pictures it won't hurt or help the handling. That's where these will go. Support on the inside of the boat will be a must!

I say the that the transom is swiss cheese....there are plenty of holes, but I guess there's really not too terribly many considering all the stuff that will be bolted back onto the boat after a few more things are done. There will definitely be some holes that don't get used, but it won't be that bad. Interesting idea on replacing the back end someday, though.....

Still doing some brainstorming... I've found some other transom steps that fold out of the way. I'm considering all my options as I'm learning what options I have. lol

 

[Woodonglass]

Well the Old Dumb Okie is a little LESS Dumber today. Step-N-Trim Tabs!!!! Never knew they existed!!!! Thanks JBC!!!! I put these in My Knowledge Library for future reference.

 

[jbcurt00]

Well the Old Dumb Okie is a little LESS Dumber today. Step-N-Trim Tabs!!!! Never knew they existed!!!! Thanks JBC!!!! I put these in My Knowledge Library for future reference.

I have a decent serviceable pair that I 'scored' for about $75 delivered and another set that are in exceptional condition that were $95 delivered.

They have gone for stupid money on ebay as recent as this past fall. They were in even better condition then my best set and went for nearly $600 before shipping...... crazy.....

They are not as adjustable as more modern tabs, but are vintage, 'look' right and do work as a step and as a tab....