How we make the ramps
First we cut the aluminum tube frame members
Next we weld the frame members together on all inside seams.
We then insert the honeycomb core and bond it to the frame
Next we bond the top and bottom aluminum skins to the frame and honeycomb and trim it
We then drill the holes for the mounting hardware and handrails
Finally, we add the non-skid, side trim, mounting hardware, and handrails if ordered
This is a cutaway of a finished panel
Why we started to make them.
In 2004, a few friends wanted to provide a boarding solution for their boats and couldn't’t find a solution that was flexible enough to meet the different boarding requirements they had. As things so often happen, one of them decided to design and make a boarding ramp system that would work for all of them. Another boater seeing the ramps said “now that’s a Steadi-Plank” and asked if one could be made for him. As others had the same request, the company became a real boat boarding ramp manufacture. Yacht Boarding Systems, Inc. was established in 2005.
The design criteria were to make a ramp system that was flexible enough to be reconfigured as the docking and boarding requirements change. It had to be able to be mounted from different areas of the vessel, and be able to have different styles of mounts to accommodate the different areas. It had to be able to change length and yet still be light enough to be handled by one person. It had to be able to have removable full length handrails on either or both sides. It had to be able to be stored on the vessel where storage space is at a premium. Most of all, it had to be safe and carry the weight of three or four people at the same time. By the way, it should float in case it ends up in the” drink”.
There have been many improvements to the Steadi-Plank system since the first ramp was made.
This is our current manufacturing process as showmen above:
An aluminum frame is cut, laid out, and welded on all inside joints.
Horizontal cross members are welded in at the locations of the first point of impact with the ramp to absorb the initial loading.
Aluminum honeycomb is cut, inserted and bonded to the frame.
Aluminum skins are bonded to the honeycomb/frame with epoxy using a pressure and heat process.
Holes are drilled in the composite sandwiched panel for the mounting hardware and handrails.
The UHMW skid plates are installed.
The nonskid is applied.
The edge trim is applied.
The mounting hardware is attached.
The finished system is inspected and boxed.
We have various mounting hardware available, from our simplest cam mount to our swivel platform mount.
Click a link below to Go to:
Standard STEADI-PLANK™ Boat Boarding Ramp Systems©
Wheelchair Accessible Boat Boarding Ramps
Boat Boarding Ramp Install & Set-Up
Boat boarding Ramp Sales Information
