Step Pad - Gunwale Boarding Mat

A gunwale boarding mat, also called a step pad, is a weighted, non-skid pad that drapes over the gunwale where guests step aboard. It protects the gelcoat from shoe scuffs and scratches and gives everyone stable footing. Canvas Designers builds its step pads in Riviera Beach, Florida with Sunbrella covers, lead shot weighting, an exclusive non-skid backing, and optional in-house embroidery.

Ready to personalize yours? Upload your boat name or artwork through the Step Pad Form after ordering an Embroidered variant.

Weighted with lead shot, not sand

Most step pads on the market are weighted with sand. Ours use lead shot. Lead is denser, so the same holding weight fits in a smaller pocket. The pad drapes flatter over the rail, keeps a cleaner profile, and stays where you put it. It costs a little more to build this way. It also looks and works better, which is the point.

What it does

• Protects the gunwale. The plush Sunbrella cover shields gelcoat and paint from shoe marks and scratches at the boarding point.
• Gives guests sure footing. A padded, stable step up instead of a slick rail.
• Stays put. Lead shot weighting on top, our own exclusive non-skid backing underneath. Not the shelf liner material most competitors use.
• Matches your canvas. Genuine Sunbrella in 15 colors, so the pad ties into your existing covers and enclosure work.
• Carries your name. In-house embroidery with outdoor-rated thread that holds up in sun and salt.

Sizes and colors

Two sizes, plain or embroidered. The 24 x 30 covers a standard boarding point. The 30 x 36 suits wider gunwales and boats where guests board with gear in hand.

Sunbrella colors: Midnight, Marine Blue, Navy, Sapphire Blue, Capri, Pacific Blue, Mediterranean Blue, Smoke, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Cadet Grey, Erin Green, Natural, Terracotta, and Cloud. Need a Sunbrella color that isn't in the picker? Call (561) 848-2111 and we'll match it.

Custom embroidery, done in-house

Boat name, hailing port, burgee, monogram, or a custom logo that matches your transom art. Our embroidery runs in-house on the same machines that handle our yacht canvas work, with thread rated for the outdoor environment. You approve the layout, we stitch exactly that.

Before you submit: check spelling and capitalization carefully. Custom items cannot be returned and orders cannot be changed once they're in production. If the boat name uses Roman numerals, skip the Brush, Prestige, and Signature fonts.

How to order

1. Pick your size and Sunbrella color.
2. Ordering a plain pad? Add to cart and you're done.
3. Ordering embroidered? Choose an Embroidered variant, add to cart, then upload your name or artwork through the Step Pad Form.
4. We digitize the art, stitch it, and build your pad in our Riviera Beach shop.

Built in Riviera Beach since 1985

Canvas Designers has fabricated custom marine canvas in Riviera Beach, Florida since 1985, in a 35,000 sq ft facility with 30+ specialists. The step pad pairs naturally with our boarding grab rail for a safer step aboard, and our dock and deck mats carry the same fabrication into the cockpit. For washing and Sunbrella care, see the care and maintenance page.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What is a gunwale boarding mat?

A gunwale boarding mat, also called a step pad or gunnel pad, is a weighted, non-skid pad that drapes over the gunwale where people step aboard. It protects the gelcoat from shoe scuffs and scratches and gives guests stable footing. Ours are Sunbrella-covered, lead shot weighted, and built in Riviera Beach, Florida.

Why lead shot instead of sand?

Lead is denser than sand, so the same holding weight fits in a smaller pocket. That means the pad drapes flatter over the rail, keeps a cleaner profile, and stays where you put it. Sand-filled pads need bulkier pockets to reach the same weight.

Will the colors match my existing canvas?

The cover is genuine Sunbrella in 15 colors, from Navy and Midnight through Turquoise and Terracotta. If your existing canvas is Sunbrella, matching is straightforward. Need a Sunbrella color that isn't in the picker? Call (561) 848-2111 and we'll match it.

What can you embroider on a step pad?

Boat names, hailing ports, burgees, monograms, and custom logos that match your transom art. Embroidery runs in-house with outdoor-rated thread, so it holds up in sun and salt. Order an Embroidered variant, then upload your artwork or lettering through the Step Pad Form.

Can I return a custom or embroidered step pad?

No. Custom and personalized items cannot be returned, and orders cannot be changed once they're in production. Triple-check spelling and capitalization before you submit. If the boat name uses Roman numerals, skip the Brush, Prestige, and Signature fonts. We stitch exactly what you approve.

Will the pad stay put while people board?

Yes. The lead shot weighting anchors the pad over the rail and the non-skid backing grips the surface underneath. It's our own exclusive backing material, not the shelf liner most competitors use, which is why it grips better and lasts longer.