Questions, answered

Question 1

What exactly is the ShoreStep?

Accepted Answer

A bulkhead-mounted scissor step system. Instead of a fixed ladder that only works at one water level, the ShoreStep folds in and out and swings through 180 degrees — up or down with the tide — so stepping onto your boat is always a step, never a climb.

Question 2

How does it handle changing tides?

Accepted Answer

The scissor linkage travels through a full 180 degrees and stops at any height along the way. Dock high or dock low, the steps meet you where the water is — level underfoot at every position.

Question 3

How do I deploy and stow it?

Accepted Answer

The fold-out is foot-activated: tap it and the linkage swings out from the bulkhead in seconds — no bending, no wrestling. A soft-close mechanism damps the whole travel, so it never slams. When you're done, it folds back in flat against the bulkhead.

Question 4

Can I stop the steps partway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ShoreStep can be stopped at any height across its full 180 degrees of travel — set it exactly where you want it for boarding, loading, or working at the dock.

Question 5

What is it made of?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft-grade aluminum throughout, with non-slip aluminum decking on every step and a corrosion-ready marine finish — built for salt water and chosen to outlast the dock it's bolted to.

Question 6

How hard is installation?

Accepted Answer

It's a bolt-on install — easy installation to a standard dock bulkhead, no special rigging. Fastener specs and mounting templates are on the spec sheet that ships in the box.

Question 7

Is it really the safest way to board a boat?

Accepted Answer

That's the whole point of the design: level steps underfoot at any tide, non-slip decking, a soft-close mechanism that can't drop on you, and a range that fixed ladders can't match. We built it because boarding should never be a negotiation with the water level.

Question 8

Where is it manufactured?

Accepted Answer

Manufactured in the USA — created on the Great South Bay of Long Island, and shipped from the machine shop that makes it.

Question 9

Do full dimensions and specs exist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The mechanism-level details are here on the site, and the complete spec sheet — every dimension and fastener spec — ships in the box. Additional material certifications and part drawings are available on request.

Question 10

Can dealers or marinas carry the ShoreStep?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use the contact form and choose 'Dealer / wholesale' as your topic, and we'll follow up on terms.