O'day25 rear railing modification

[Coty137]

Good day fellow O’Day 25 owners,

I would like your thoughts on a rear railing modification I would like to do. Has anyone of you modified or thought of modifying your rear railing to make it easier to climb from the transom ladder onto the boat when swimming? I have attached a sketch ( I am no Picasso but I think you will get the picture) of a before and after possible modification with a chain for added security. I am no engineer but I really think this can be possible with an added advantage to work on your outboard if needed.

Thank you for your comments and hope you realize that spring is just around the corner!

Cheers and happy sailing!

 

[Steve Morris]

Great Idea

I was sitting in the cockpit of my boat this weekend and thinking of the same thing. I had planned on going sailing, but, there was still a thin layer of ice in the marina and I don't like the idea of using a fiberglass hull as an ice breaker.

If you make this modification let me know how it works out. I would consider the same thing.

Thanks.

 

[Joe11688]

My 1986 O'Day 222 came through new with a rail like that. They only built 20 of these boats with this type of stern rail, so I'm told. I had asked for a full stern rail and the dealer at the boat show told me that it could be arranged. It came with a short lifeline and a pelican hook on one end. It would get in the way whenever I had to use my outboard so I took it off. I had a Mickey Mouse type of mast crutch that I made up that was big and clunky so one day I went a marine welder and asked him to make me up something that would fit my stern rail and he came up with something that I really love. In fact, I used to remove it when I wasn't using it, but I got so I liked it because I could climb up my swim ladder and use it to hold on to while I swing my left leg over the low side rail to get into the cockpit. I made up a flag staff out of stainless steel pipe and Teak to fit into the crutch yoke. I now have this hoop type crutch attachment bolted to my stern pulpit. Someday I'd like to have it welded on permanently. I sometimes stand up and sail or motor my boat and that hoop gives me something to brace myself with. Your rail may be higher than mine. The top of the hoop on mine is 30" from the top of the transom, and the side rails are 16" high from the combings. I had this hoop built so that it would enable me to raise/lower my mast by myself and act as a travel lock for the mast when I trailered my boat. I used to have to raise the mast crutch for this operation, but now that I use a Gin Pole, I never have to elevate the crutch. I really love this stern rail and my mast raising equipment is light and fits into my settee compartment. I think that what you have in the sketch is a great design and if your stern pulpit is higher than mine, that short life line gate should work for you.
Joe