Ice Chest Step

The 48 qt. Igloo Marine ice chest on my 1987 Capri 22 (#239) in 2012 when I took delivery.

When I took delivery of my 1987 Catalina 22 new-style from The Foredeck (now Catalina Direct) it came with a blue Colemen 48 qt. ice chest and a teak step on top.  My 1987 Capri 22 didn't come with the step, I don't know if it wasn't available on the Capri in 1987, or whether my boat's ice chest had been replaced.

A Capri 22 with the same ice chest setup I had in my Catalina 22 in 1987.

Besides the cosmetic benefits of the teak step, the step helps to make the top of the ice chest flex less by spreading out the load.  The step is available from Catalina Direct, and mine was very well made.

The teak step comes unfinished from Catalina Direct

I didn't use any stain on the step.  All I did was give it a light sanding and then seal the step with Minwax Water Based Polycrylic clear satin (six coats on the top and two coats on the bottom).

The natural color of the wood is beautiful, and the Minwax did a great job.  The water-based product is self-leveling and quick drying.  I was easily able to get three coats a day on the step.  I've used this product for years on boat interiors with great success.

The finished step ready to be installed.

The step is held in place with four screws in the corners.

Stepping into and out of the cabin feels a lot more sure-footed with the step in place.