No walking allowed on my SS2000 deck. How bad would I feel if it got cracked? I don't let anyone step on the sides wearing shoes. Also, I make them step on the 'ridges' rather than on the 'flat' part of the sides. The deck would be weaker in the flatter areas. I have some no slip cloth that I put on the side for people to step on, which helps.
My father was 76 when I bought my SS2000, and I tested his ability to get in and out before I bought it. What I forgot was that he would age. Eventually he was no longer able to get into the SS2000. I would up buying a more family friendly second boat. Now I see my 70 year old brother in law and a friend's 57 year old wife struggle to get in an out (both could lose 50 lb), so I may banish them to the family boat.
For the foreseeable future I can easily step off the dock and onto the driver seat. I expect when I get around 80 I'll either have to swap it for an XB2002 or give up going fast.
