Installation Manual (Tall & Shorty)
These instructions below are designed to help you self-install the set of steps that you have purchased from Innovative Marine Designs.
Tools Needed:
Hardware package included with purchase. (Parts list included below)
Cordless Drill
9/16” Socket
7/32” Allen Wrench or Allen Socket
9/16” Open ended wrench
7/16” Drill Bit (For wood docks)
7/16” Concrete Drill bit (For concrete docks)
Expandable clamp
Pen / Pencil
TIME: 20 min
Note: The mounting hardware provided in the “hardware package” with purchase, should include:
(2) Mounting brackets to wrap around the post.
(4) 3/8” x 1 1/2” Stainless steel bolts. (Upper mounting bracket.) used for 2” dock post
(4) 3/8” x 2” Stainless steel bolts. (Upper mounting bracket.) used for 2 1/2” dock post
(6) Stainless steel 3/8” nylon lock nuts.
(14) Stainless steel washers.
(4) Rubber longer end caps to cover the top bracket threads.
(6) Rubber shorter end caps to cover the bolt heads.
(2) 3/8” x 3” used for mounting the base plate to a concrete dock.
(2) 1 1/4” Lag used for mounting the base plate to a wood dock.
Each hardware package comes with an extra washer, and nylon lock nut in case of an accidental drop in the lake while installing.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS (TALL STEPS):
1: Set the steps against the desired post that they are to be mounted to. Take the expandable clamp and use that to clamp the steps to the post at the top bracket. The rounded portion of the stair treads should be on the dock side, and not sticking over into the boat slip. The steps should be 36” off the post to the end of the base place for the correct placement.
2: Mark your bottom holes on the dock decking in the base plate. The base plate has 4 holes in the plate for versatility. Two holes are required for the step application. The other two holes are recommended but are also an option for versatility depending on your dock.
3: Remove the clamp and stairs from the desired post.
4: Drill the holes through the dock decking.
4A. Make sure you are clear of any steel if you do not have a wood / steel bit.
5: Clamp the steps to the same desired post with your expandable clamp again.
6: Install the supplied 3” Stainless steel bolts through the new holes through the decking of the dock and install the washers on the bolt top and bottom of the dock decking with the supplied 3/8” stainless steel nylon lock nuts. Do not tighten down completely yet.
7: Install the top brackets for the stairs.
7A. There are two sets of holes on the top bracket. If you have a 2 ½” square post, you will use the outside holes. If you have a 2” square post, you will use the first set of holes on the inside. The same bracket works with both sets. If you have the 2 ½” size square post, there will be a small gap between the post and the bracket, and that is normal.
7B. a. This will require the provided brackets and 2” stainless steel bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts. APPLY THE PROVIDED ANTI SIEZE TO THE BOLT THREADS BEFORE APPLYING THE NYLOCK NUT. Install each bolt through the brackets, make sure they have a stainless steel washer in place, and hand tighten the nylon locking nut on the back.
7C. Ensure the steps are tight and flush to the post.
8: Now you can install your bottom bolts through the base plate and the holes you drilled in the dock decking in step 2. There should be a washer on each side of the dock deck, and the nylon locking nut on the bottom side of the dock deck.
9: Go back and tighten all of your bolts and nylon locking nuts on the base plate, and the upper bracket.
10. Ensure that the steps are locked in, and firm to the post, and the dock decking. There should be no movement at all in the steps.
11: ENJOY YOUR NEW INNOVATIVE MARINE STEPS!
Innovative Marine Designs takes no responsibility for the installation of these steps.
Updated: 06/18/24