H216 Foot Support

[Ranger Paul18578]

A couple weeks ago while heeling at 20 degrees or so, my wife lost her grip on the windward rail and fell to the leeward side coming close to hurting herself and possibly falling out of the boat. I love the open cockpit but have often lamented on the lack of an adequate foot rest when heeled over. I am thinking of building up the "backbone" of the cockpit for more adequate support and am looking for ideas. I am thinking of a plywood mock-up first to see how well it works and how much it cramps movement in the cockpit.

 

[Charisma]

H26

Check out the H26, it has a ridge down the center and is great when you want to heel for the kids etc. It may give you some ideas. Happy Bird Day Chris

 

[GKuffner]

Cockpit foot brace

I often thought about doing the same thing but aft of the mainsheet. I thought about a removable stainless bar that would slide into counter sunk receptacles set into the deck, but I sold my H216 before I got around to it. This wouldn't work fwd of the mainsheet. While I never considered 20° to be excessive, I can appreciate that accidents do happen.

 

[Ranger Paul18578]

Cockpit foot brace

Something like a handicapped bar for toilets/showers/etc. might be the ticket - stainless and off the shelf???? Can you get them in any length? Where? What are they really called, "grab bars"?