In september 2009 we contracted Oceanaire Yachts to construct the new swim step and a transom door on the Tolly Roger. I had seen the pictures that Jeff Harmon had posted on the Tollycraft Boating Club Forum and instantly knew that I wanted that modification and that I wanted Oceanaire to do the work.
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- At The Dock
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- Aluminum brackets
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- Final glass work
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- New Swim Step out of the mold
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- Oceanaire’s first cut
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- The original swim step
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- Tolly Roger and Dorsen at Oceanaire’s Dock
The timing was good as Jeff had just finished working on Chris Sensels boat “Dorsen” when our Tolly Roger pulled up at Oceanaire’s dock. (Top rightPhoto)
We were able to visit the boat many times during the work and were able to make decisions on the height of the swim step and the custom bracket for the “kicker” along the way.
The new swim step is 29″ wide and is about 7″ higher making it a level step from most docks. We are very pleased with the results and completely changes the boat making entry and exit much easier from the dock and from the dinghy!
I think the modificaton and the new black and stainless rub rail updates the boat.
We have had many compliments on the changes and the workmanship.
The real test of course came when we were able to get out and do some cruising this past Summer! What a difference! We have 2 inflatable kayaks and an inflatable dinghy and it is so easy to get in and out of them now using the new door and wider swim grid. Perfect!
In the “grand scheme” of things having this work done was well worth the cost.
You can see all the project progress pictures on Oceaniare’s web site here: http://www.oceanaireyachts.com/ under Tollycraft Projects, 26, Tolly Roger.
MV Tolly Roger 
I just came across your blog while doing research on mounting a kicker motor on the back of my 26. i was wondering what you used to make that set back spacer for the bracket and what you used on the back side of the transom to spread the load out. i know its a really old post lol
Hi! Thanks for visiting the blog. That spacer was made from a slab of UHMW plastic that was 1-3/4″.
Behind the transom was a 1/2″ sheet of the same product but much wider than the bracket.
All that was changed when we had the new swim step made. It was remounted without that spacer.
Hope that helps. Good luck with your project!
Thank you for the fast reply! I think that’s the route I’m gonna go !