Can rails be extended around stern? (H23)

[Ohiosailin]

1987 H23, and the rails end (downwards) @ bow & starboard stern (sides).
I want to enclose (bring fully around) the stern rails, but there's very little room for secure mounting of typical Hunter stays.
I've seen custom mounts employing brackets over the outer gunwale... but Dam! that's both awkward lookin' and after all...is that a safe way to do it?
OEM rail stays (mounts) need a good 2" foothold.
Anyone done this with our vintage H23? And thanks everyone!

 

[Kermit]

I thought I wanted to do that, too. Mainly for mounting a grill. I ended up using a fishing rod holder mount instead. I’m not sure i would want to add stern rails if i still owned ours. I saw pictures somewhere. Check the H23 gallery and also the modifications page. You might find something there.

 

[Ohiosailin]

Thanks Kermit, and I've seen integral mounts/rails custom-made, but rolling down around the outer gunwale... I just dunno.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I never recommended a stern rail on the Hunter 23 wing keel sailboat. It has a split stay that attaches on both port and starboard, motor mount on port side of transom, tiller in center and generally a ladder on starboard all on the transom. With the life lines ending at the rear, you have a lot back there that a complete stern rail would simply not only be in the way particularly the ladder either crawling over or under that stern rail when boarding not to mention the cost which would be expensive. Food for thought.

 

[Kermit]

Yeah. What Dave said.

 

[isaksp00]

Mine has rails though not fully enclosed. Each starts at deck just behind where the aft end of lifeline meets deck and bends over transom where it is attached by flat welded plate and backing plate (wood 2x4) through transom. Each is outboard the motor mount and ladder respectively. Going over the stern is left unprotected but they do help provide a solid thing to grab.
Edit: Correction, the rails attach to deck forward of where the lifelines attach. Because each (lifeline and rail tube) slant they form a sort of V making it fairly easy to board.

 

[P100D]

Here's the stern rails on mine. They are plenty strong.

 

[P100D]

Holds the grill Great. Also holds that Lily Pad when rolled up, and you can still sail.

 

[pateco]

Here's the stern rails on mine. They are plenty strong.

I like this rail design,

but if your pushed the top rail slightly further to the stern, and added one more vertical support, you could try to integrate it with your ladder like they do on the H31.

That way you would not have to step over or under the rail to use the stern ladder

 

[P100D]

That would be great

 

[pateco]

That would be great

Make it look something more like this.

 

[Ohiosailin]

These are gr8 installs, Thanks, gentlemen.
P100, can you PM me some closeups and details of the attch points. This is just what I was hoping for.
Also if willing, i'd like the fabricator's contact info.
Pateco: your 31 is lovely, but I'd fear the split rear rail for the sake of transom ladder would weaken the overall rear strength, particularly on the port side. Starboard would remain nice-n-strong.

 

[P100D]

I'll be there in the morning so I can take more detailed pics. Don't know on the fabricator. We purchased the boat 2 years ago with them already on the boat. Anything you want specifically photographed?

 

[pateco]

Pateco: your 31 is lovely, but I'd fear the split rear rail for the sake of transom ladder would weaken the overall rear strength, particularly on the port side. Starboard would remain nice-n-strong.

I was thinking about that as I did the Photoshop design. Fabricator may be able to brace that port corner railing to add strength, but agreed it is not as strong a situation as the starboard side. But definitely more usable than having to climb over the rail.

ps. Mine s now sporting a life ring and grill.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Don’t forget the motor and tiller location and location on the split forestay. This is not a wide transom compared to larger bosts

 

[P100D]

Don’t forget the motor and tiller location and location on the split forestay. This is not a wide transom compared to larger bosts

Please don't put jib on that "split forestay" use the other Forestay.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Oops. Split forestay I meant to say.

 

[P100D]

Oops. Split forestay I meant to say. View attachment 151203

Split Backstay. Darnit

I'm laughing with you I promise.

 

[P100D]

Here are some closer pics. And climbing over isn't that bad. The backstay makes for a good hand hold. My 5 year old climbs through.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The major I always had was installing backing plates/washers underneath the narrow area when installing the rails to the transom as I felt screws only were not sufficient