A conventional dock ladder may be easy enough to climb, but raising a long, wet ladder out of the water can be surprisingly awkward. Leaving it submerged is not always ideal either, since the steps remain exposed to algae, marine growth and the elements.
Tie Down Marine’s NautiSteps approaches the problem with a spring-assisted pivoting mechanism. The ladder lowers gradually into the water when needed, then lifts back above the surface for storage with less effort than its size might suggest.
The system also sits at a gentler angle than an ordinary vertical ladder. That makes it feel closer to a short flight of stairs and could make getting into and out of the water more comfortable for children, older family members and anyone who dislikes pulling themselves straight up a dock wall.
A dock ladder that lifts out of the water
NautiSteps is built around a dock-mounted housing containing the spring-assisted mechanism. To deploy it, the user removes a tethered locking pin, grasps the handrail and pushes the ladder forward into the water. Tie Down’s slow-fall system controls the downward movement so that the assembly does not simply drop.
Once the ladder reaches its in-use position, the locking pin must be passed completely through the housing to secure it. The process is reversed after swimming: remove the pin, raise the ladder by its handrail and lock it upright.
Tie Down does not publish the precise lifting force or the internal spring specification, so it would be misleading to suggest that the ladder becomes weightless. The point of the mechanism is to reduce the effort required to move a fairly large ladder while controlling its descent.
A gentler, stair-like climbing angle
When lowered, NautiSteps rests at approximately 45 degrees. By comparison, Tie Down’s smaller NautiSteps Lite uses a steeper 60-degree angle and occupies less space on the dock.
The standard model therefore extends farther into the water, but its shallower layout is its principal comfort advantage. Users climb broad polypropylene steps while holding the curved handrail rather than negotiating a nearly vertical set of narrow rungs.
The polypropylene step surfaces have a textured, non-slip pattern intended to provide barefoot-friendly grip when wet. One handrail is included and can be fitted on either the left or right. A matching second rail is available for people who prefer support on both sides.
Five sizes for different dock heights
The ladder is offered with four, five, six, seven or eight steps. Choosing the correct version begins with measuring vertically from the top surface of the dock to the normal water level.
Tie Down recommends the following configurations:
- Four steps: dock-to-water distance up to 12 inches
- Five steps: 15 to 20 inches
- Six steps: 22 to 24 inches
- Seven steps: 26 to 30 inches
- Eight steps: 32 to 40 inches
The corresponding overall heights run from 77 inches for the four-step model to 128 inches for the eight-step version. Because water levels can change throughout the season, the company advises measuring at the lowest normal level. When caught between sizes, it generally recommends having one step too many rather than one too few.
The published ranges leave small gaps, however, so owners with an unusual dock height should confirm the correct configuration with Tie Down or an experienced installer before ordering.
Built for freshwater and saltwater docks
The frame is made from corrosion-resistant aluminum, while the ladder is available with Iron Gray, Black, Azure Blue, Textured Aluminum or Cloud White finishes. Step colors include Camel, Navy and Gray, although not every finish is available with every length. The Textured Aluminum frame, for example, is limited to the four-, five- and six-step ladders.
Tie Down says NautiSteps can be used in fresh or salt water. Saltwater owners should nevertheless rinse it regularly with fresh water and inspect the housing, fasteners and moving components. Corrosion-resistant construction reduces deterioration; it does not make a marine mechanism maintenance-free.
Installation requires a properly reinforced dock
NautiSteps is not simply fastened to the top boards of any dock. Moving a long ladder places weight and leverage on a relatively small mounting area, so the underlying structure must be able to support the housing safely.
Tie Down divides installation into three stages: mount the base and housing, assemble the frame and steps, and then connect the completed ladder to the housing. Its instructions strongly recommend using a professional dock installer because dock materials and structures vary.
Additional reinforcement may involve timber blocking, backing plates or other supports beneath the deck. Tie Down also sells an optional #43132 mounting-bracket kit with two long brackets, four short brackets and connecting hardware. The kit is not required for every installation, and the installer must still provide any dock-specific reinforcement and fasteners.
Once installed, the ladder has a stated maximum capacity of 300 lb (136 kg). That rating depends on correct assembly and a secure mounting structure.
Before use, owners should check for loose hardware, bends, cracks, corrosion and movement at the base. The instructions also warn against using the ladder in rough water or severe weather, when waves can cause a dock to move rapidly. The spring housing should only be opened by a professional and only while the ladder is raised and not under tension.
Pricing and availability
Current prices begin at $1,395 for the four-step NautiSteps. The five-step version is listed at $1,495, the six-step at $1,695, the seven-step at $1,895 and the eight-step at $2,095.
A second handrail costs $125 for the four-step model, $150 for the five- or six-step ladder, and $175 for the seven- or eight-step version. Shipping, taxes, dock reinforcement and professional installation are additional.
Each ladder is custom-made in the United States. Although one part of the product page still mentions a three-to-four-week production period, Tie Down’s current FAQ advises allowing approximately four to six weeks plus shipping.
NautiSteps carries a three-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship when properly installed, used and maintained. Improper installation, misuse and damage involving non-Tie Down parts are excluded.
It is a considerably larger investment than a basic vertical ladder, and its 45-degree stance takes up more room. In return, NautiSteps addresses two everyday frustrations at once: it offers a more stair-like route out of the water and makes the entire ladder easier to raise when swimming is over.
Source: Tie Down Marine
