Additional Cabin Handholds For 31'

[Bill Ebling]

Have any 31' owners installed extra handholds in the main salon. Manuvering safely in the cabin was tough last weekend while I was beating hard through chop in 15+ KNTS. I would like to consider adding additional teak handholds on the salon ceiling just on the underside of the seahood slides as you come down the companion way and possibly from there forward to the stock handholds. How would they be fastened? Screwed through the headliner into the cabin roof's wood core? Is there enough core to there to secure them soundly? How deep can the fasteners go? Whats the best way to install them?BTW: Has anyone modified the stock companion way ladder to prevent having your leg fall between the treads and the engine cover if you miss step while the boat is heaving? Wedged my leg down there several time in the past. One of these days when I fall through the ladder I am going to break my leg.Also I thought I saw a post on this site where someone added tapered blocks on the counter top/engine cover either side of the step plate to create a better foot hold while stepping into the cabin when heeled. Anyone know where it is?Bill EblingCaprice85 h31 Kent Island MD

 

[Steve Dion]

Yes and yes.

Bill:The stock rails are screwed into the headliner. I see no reason why you could not add additional ones where needed. We actually cut new pieces of tread to fit the companionway steps many years ago. Our now extend back to the engine compartment so there is no chance of getting a leg caught in between. We added a small block for support too.You can actually get tread from H & L Marine. They will pretty much cut to size if you send them the pattern. It is actually easy enough to do yourself with a jib/saber saw.