C-27 Hand Rail Reversal . . .

[Nick]

I'm ready (again) to re-varnish my C-27's hand rails when I had a sudden thought I'd like your opinion on. In their current position on the cabin top just outboard of the sliding hatch rails, what real good are they? I don't ever remember actually using them as a hand grab, I only know I trip over them on my way forward. Since I've always wanted to put similar hand rails inside the cabin top I thought hey, why not just remove them from the cabin top and re-install them below on the cabin overhead. This would smooth the walk forward and provide some grip in the cabin while in a seaway with the side benefit of keeping them out of weather so I'll have one less varnish job. What do you think? Nick "Julia Bell" C-27, #86

 

[Leighton]

Me too!

I just had this conversation two months ago! I too trip on these rails while moving forward over the cabin. But I was reminded that during heavy weather sailing you'll need all the rails available to grip on. I figured that I have decent lifelines and the trip forward isn't all that far why not remove them? Hah, I taken mine off! There is another reason too..I agree, less brightwork to refinish! I'm almost completed refinishing the companionway hatches and they were not fun. So I'm looking for less brightwork anyways.