[Chris Burkard]

I swear the teak treads open. Perhaps not all of them, but some of them. I looked at an old photo of the 43 Open just to refresh my memory of the layout. I seem to remember the teak treads are just dropped into the fiberglass and should just pull straight up with gentle persuasion. The top step tread however may be hard mounted. It may also be the case they are hinged, but you would see the thin edge of the hinge along the backside of the steps treads.

I can't image the only access is through the engine room bulkhead electrical panel. Is that panel hinged?