I'm in a quandry and wondering if anyone can provide some guidance or insight. Boarding my 272LE while she is docked stern-to is a nightmare due to the clearance necessary for the rudder which on the 272LE hangs on the stern. The natural solution to the problem would be to dock bow-to as I did with my last boat. However, due to the height and rake of the bow rail, going bow-to is just as bad, if not worse. I am conemplating removing the bow rail, stantions and life lines. I believe I'll get far more use and enjoyment out of the boat with the ease of boarding and docking. Any comments, ideas or suggestions? Stinky
Bow Rail Removal
- Thread starter Stinky
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Yes...
...now keep in mind I have not sailed yet, however been around a lot of stinkpots. Anytime you are at the front messing with sails or anchors you want something to grab onto! If you take the lifelines off what will you grab onto if the boat makes a sudden move while you are going to the front or coming back? Some of you seasoned sailors can answer better, but that's my take. Jack
...now keep in mind I have not sailed yet, however been around a lot of stinkpots. Anytime you are at the front messing with sails or anchors you want something to grab onto! If you take the lifelines off what will you grab onto if the boat makes a sudden move while you are going to the front or coming back? Some of you seasoned sailors can answer better, but that's my take. Jack
sounds like
You will have a full blown race boat, deck wise. I've seen some big time world cup and Americas cup boats configured that way but those boats are raced in a "controlled" environment for relatively short distances by experienced crews. If this was such a good idea for a cruising boat or a weekend racer then many, many boats would have the life lines, stanchions and pulpit hardware removed. If you do go for this, and I wouldn't, then be sure to install sturdy jack lines and use your harness. Also wear a PFD and make sure all deck hands wear one as well. This seems like an ill advised course, if I understand it, and I wouldn't go for it were I you.
You will have a full blown race boat, deck wise. I've seen some big time world cup and Americas cup boats configured that way but those boats are raced in a "controlled" environment for relatively short distances by experienced crews. If this was such a good idea for a cruising boat or a weekend racer then many, many boats would have the life lines, stanchions and pulpit hardware removed. If you do go for this, and I wouldn't, then be sure to install sturdy jack lines and use your harness. Also wear a PFD and make sure all deck hands wear one as well. This seems like an ill advised course, if I understand it, and I wouldn't go for it were I you.
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
I don't know, Stinky. If it was me, I'd want to keep both of my rails and think of some other way to do it. Roger's suggestion seems to be the way I'd go. There are numerous ways of solving problems without having to give up a valuable necessity. All you have to do is think about it. How many time have you seen something new and said to yourself, "why didn't I think of that?" It's always there. You just have to think of it. Joe
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