Douglas Marine’s E-step is a motorized folding ladder that installs under a yacht’s stern platform to give owners and guests easy access into and out of the water. The ladder’s opening and closing action was inspired by the scissor-like pantograph mechanism that links trams in Milan, Italy, to overhead power cables. E-step systems are built from powder-coated aluminum frames and are available with three or four steps, which are covered in nonslip EVA foam. Both models use electric linear actuators (12 or 24 volts) that are fitted into the frames and that are controlled by switches or optional remote controls. When the system is open, the frame’s geometry yields a 60-degree boarding angle, placing the ladder’s steps deeper into the water and providing better access into and out of the water.
Paolo Ramoino, Douglas Marine’s director, says one of the main challenges the company faced when creating the E-step system involved determining the correct elastic force that didn’t leave air gaps when the ladder is closed. “We had to do a lot of tests and calculations before finding the correct positions and angles,” Ramoino says.
E-step systems reportedly take just 12 seconds to open or close, and their electric actuators deliver smooth, quiet action. When deployed, the top step extends abaft the swim platform, providing a comfortable and stable first (or final) step.
Step Options
The top step extends abaft the swim platform when the system is deployed. The linear actuators are rated to IP69K specs, which ensures that their internals stay dry. Owners can specify white or black aluminum frames, and can customize the color of the EVA foam. E-step systems are suited to yachts from about 30 to 80 feet length overall. Douglas Marine is working on a new version of the system for larger vessels.
Take the next step: douglasmarine.com
