Hand rails

BBlalock · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 7:22 am Post subject: Hand rails

I want to install hand rails on Finale's (25') cabin top and I want something like those on the cabin in the cockpit. Any suggestions of what from where? CoolSmile

msgchef · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 8:28 am Post subject:

that was my first mod. With the wife heading to the bow to handling lines, there's that short gap with nothing good to hang on to.
Easiest mod, on the eyebrow, easy access for nuts and lock washers, silicone the hole and good to go.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|7504|2290201&id=3692018

ssobol · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 11:25 am Post subject:

I added hand rails on the eyebrow at the front corners like a number of other people.

I also added 36" rails on the aft cabin top (fore/aft at the outside edge). These make getting up on to the side walks from the cockpit and back down a lot easier. You don't have to try and reach the stock cabin top rails that are at the sides of the high top.

These rails are also handy when holding or hand maneuvering the boat at a dock (C-Dory's do sit kind of low for most docks, at least in my area). Like others have found, sometimes the boarding area of our boat is the cabin roof (depending on the dock and the tide).

thataway · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 2:42 pm Post subject:

I put these 18" hand railings on the side of the top--as described by Ssbol, and also at a diagonal on the front overhand. I prefer the type which have a 1/4" threaded stud in the center of the point where the fasteners go thru the roof, rather than a flange as in the defender example above. I got mine at West Marine.

I have put these type of railings on each of the 4 C Dory's I have owned. Very handy.

BBlalock · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the responses. I will get this project done very soon. I'm 6'3" and reaching out from under the bimini for the handrail gets to be a pain. But, many of you already know that.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:51 pm Post subject:

There's two more places a hand rail may be of great benefit:

1. I placed 10-12 inch grab rails on either side of the cabin doorway mounted on the flat down-turned lip of the cabin top to get a very secure handle when stepping down into the cockpit from the gunnel. This is a much better position for a handle when coming down into the cockpit. The factory ones on the outside edge of the bulkhead are better when going up to the gunnel, but not down. These won't be of great value there when you have a bimini top up blocking their access, but otherwise there of great value. Also, in really rough weather, they help when getting forward into and through the doorway from the cockpit. (Overhead handles, like the optional ones inside.)

2. I also placed 18 inch hand rails on either side of the forward cabin trunk top for secure handles when going forward on the gunnel to the bow rail and bowsprit. There' a "no man's land" without a safe hold from the handrail added to the brow till you get fully forward without this added rail set. No problem in calm or moderate weather, but if the bow is heaving and you have to go forward to tend the anchor, etc., there's about two steps you have to take without any handhold support. You can always come up through the hatch in the trunk, but then you stand the chance of putting a wave full of water into your sleeping bag/clothes/ nightly companion/whatever.

Maybe one of both of these may seem extreme to the nimble younger C-Brats, but as you get older you need all the help you can get with your limited strength and mobility.

In either case, the extra support might just save you from injury, an unanticipated swim, or even your life.

Good Luck!

Stay on board however you can......................!

Joe. Teeth

thataway · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 6:37 pm Post subject:

For the 25 two more places for a grab rail. One is the forward cabin bulkhead as a crash bar for the "navigator" to hang onto, when facing forward in the front dinette seat. The second is in front of the galley--that works well as a towel rack + gives a hand hold for the cook, if a boat "wakes" you when cooking...

Avidmagnum12 · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 8:57 pm Post subject:

Another place on a 25 for a grab rail is in the head. Otherwise folks will grab for the door handle if they loose their balance. We have one on the left side when sitting on the "throne". Some brats put them on both sides of the door.
Have fun with your projects....Tom

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2017 10:42 pm Post subject:

Following this discussion, I'm thinking we could well use a thread entitled "Safety and Convenience Modifications to C-Dorys for Senior Skippers and Crews". What do you think?

Joe. Teeth

BBlalock · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:09 am Post subject:

I'll second that!

Foggy · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 10:10 am Post subject:

Besides the ones mentioned, thinking I was going to keep my 26 Venture a long
long time, I added a grab rail in the head. Of course, I don't need it now, but one
never knows when the future will become now.

It's slippery in there showering and a little upper body help when disengaging the
throne gets you back in action in a blink.

Aye.
Grandma used to say, "Think a head."

ssobol · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 11:55 am Post subject:

I was thinking of putting a small hand rail above the entry to the berth. It'd make getting in and out a little easier (at least the way I get out).

thataway · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 12:45 pm Post subject:

BBlalock · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:36 pm Post subject:

Well went to WM today and got the 2 18" rails. I wanted something to go between the rail and gel coat and they recommended I go to AutoZone and get gasket material and cut it. I got a piece of that but not sure it is what I want to use. Any suggestions from anyone?

Avidmagnum12 · Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 4:05 pm Post subject:

I use butyl tape to bed hand rails. It's not messy and no leaks on any of my railings.