I'm looking for ideas as to where I can mount a brass bell on my 340. Had a Coast Guard inspection and that was the one item I was missing. Where did you put your bell? Thanks for the info.
Hello Nichole: Don't have an idea,but thought I would tell about my CG inspecton experience. When they asked for a bell, I panicked. "Do I need one" I asked. "Yes" was the stern answer. I looked around and spotted my coleman lantern, struck the shade with a spoon, sounded just like a bell. CG man smiled and gave me passed inspection. Good luck red
I installed a bell in the cabin of my 37. The bell is removeable and only the bracket is not removed. When I have the need for the bell I replace it in the bracket and then gong away. Decided not to install in the cockpit since there would be more brass to clean and it would get in the way. I only have one occasion to use it in the past 5 years.
Which begs the question, why is the CG inspecting for a bell ?? It is my understanding that when underway or at anchor in a fog, a toll of the bell every minute or so is required to alert other boats in the area. It would appear that if this is so, than a mount on the upper fwd deck should be required for the bell. Anyway - this thread so far begs the question - why is a bell on the CG inspection list?? Robert Dean Pensacola, FL
...the CG asked me if I had a bell. I still have it in the plactic bag down below. But I put the mounting bracket on the side of the cockpit table mount so it can be mounted there if I needed it. Also, the coastguardsman told me that as long as I had a steel wheel, it would be OK. He showed me that if I rapped the wheel with the handle of a screwdriver, it would sing like a bell and pass the inspection.
Nichole, I believe if you check the USCG web page under rules you will find that vessels under 12 meters are not required to have a bell. But are required to have something that can be used to make noise. I have heard of people using pots and pans to make noise, shouting to make noise and probably lots of other methods. But there is no requirement for you to have a bell. The requirement is to be able to make noise to alert others of your presence. The fact that you are able to make some noise would have been sufficient. If you do get a bell be sure its reachable from the wheel. Most come with two brackets and can be kept below and mounted on deck when necessary. Good Luck Les s/v Mutual Fun
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