Installing Hand-Holds on Windshield Visor

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PNW_Wesley

New member
I would like to install 2 hand-holds on the visor forward of the L + R windshields, similar to the factory ones in the cockpit.

These would only be intended to aid my balance as I move to/from the bow along the gunwale, and not for fenders or any loads.

If you have done this mod, could you please post a picture or 2?

Did you use a backing plate, or just fender washers?

I assume the visor is fiberglass without a core.
 
I did this to my boat, they are very useful. Sorry, don't have any pictures. It is an easy task. I just used fender washers. The brow on my boat is about 3/8" solid FG.

If you are adding rails, having some at the back outside roof top is also very handy. They are useful when getting onto the side walks from the cockpit and can be useful at the dock. I put 36" long rails on each side of mine. The rails bolt to the roof through the lip the runs outside of the cabin.
 
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I have used regular washers. Installed on all of my c 'Dory, except Tom Cat which comes with a nice railing all around the front visor.
 
Lots of good ideas here.

A couple of thoughts:

1. The older you get, as you get weaker and less steady, the more useful handholds become. Add them on the inside and outside as needed, keeping the cosmetic look of the boat the best you can. Be sure they're placed in the best, safest, most ergonomic position possible. Think it through.

2. Usually you want to use marine specific hardware outside, but inside, it's probably just as easy, and often much cheaper, to use regular stainless domestic safety hardware, as long as it looks "right". Stainless, whether 316, 304, or whatever, won't rust or corrode inside the cabin, unless you're on a long-term visit to Davey Jones Locker. Take a look at the safety handholds available at your favorite hardware store/outlet.

3. Lifelines, railings, and the like are often smaller in diameter than optimal for safety's sake. 3/4", 7/8", and even 1" diameters and such are really too small to fit into a man's full size hand comfortably and give the maximum griping strength or holding power. 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" diameter tubes often fit your hand better and afford a better grip. Do some experiments with your own hands and various diameters to see this in action.

4. Also, if I were placing a handhold somewhere it would often be wet and my life would depend on it, I'd add some non-skid tape to the fitting rather then depend on the polished metal to a provide life-saving grip. "Slippery does as slippery is", or vis-a-vis, your choice. -Anonymous.

Good Luck and Stay with the Boat!

Joe. :smiled
 
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