Adding Lifeline braces

[RAD88]

I plan on upgrading the life lines on my '77 Hunter 30' this winter. I will be adding life line braces to form a large gate on both port and starboard. I was thinking about bracing the stantions off to the toe rail instead of bolting through the deck - less leak points. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Joe]

I can't see any possible advantage to doing it that way. If you install the brace correctly there will be no leaking. Fixing it to the toe rail will mean some custom work...meaning extra cost... there may also be some asthetic issues.... so what's the point?

 

[Ron20324]

Getting under the deck to use bolts/nuts/washers is not always doable on a boat already assembled. I'd say if you can get the brace to fasten to the toe rail in a strong and crafstman-like manner, then go for it. Maybe instead of the usual brace, have the metal shop flatten the end, put a little bend in it to mate flat to the toerail, then you could use a 60-degree angle-tee over the stanchion.