[JohnRPollard]

dwightgry,

As T34C indicated, the biggest factor affecting number of companionway steps is whether the cockpit has a "bridgedeck". My hunch is that the boat you are remembering did not have a "bridgedeck", so it seemed to you there were comparatively few steps.

Recognizing that you are somewhat new to sailing, we would be happy to discuss bridgedecks and the various pros/cons of having one or not, but we do not want to belabor the point if you already understand this distinction clearly. Let us know if you'd like more details/info.