I was practicing going into my slip and I got a bullseye on a piling.
Boy I know that experience. First time out with my boat,
I was in tight quarters
There was a fresh breeze blowing the boat.
I was trying to learn the nuances of the boat, motor, and effect of wind on free-board, of which my boat has ample. Compound the new skipper had a novice crew.
Well meaning but not proficient with the boat hook nor recognizing the danger of impending impact.
Yes I kissed the piling a wee bit.
I watched the pulpit get the push and then spring back.
When I got the boat secure in her berth I went forward and inspected the damage. Mostly ok.
The inspection revealed that the pulpit had received a bit of damage from the previous use of the anchor and chain, as well as the same type of spring off the piling I had accomplished. (there were marks)
So when in the yard this past winter for repairs I had all new steel made. Now very pretty.
No more piling springing, I Hope..
.
Only way to keep the boat pristine..... Keep it tied to the dock and have someone come down and detail it once a week.
Ward, I suspect you cannot build a pulpit strong enough to protect your bowsprit. Your going to have to accommodate the sprit in how you maneuver the boat. They way they are made, attached to the deck and extended into the space beyond the deck, they are mostly ornamental. They do provide some aide in they are something to grab, but placing all your weight on a pulpit while loosing your footing on the deck as the boat is bucking in 6 foot seas does not give me a warm fuzzy feeling. The pulpit will try but eventually lose the struggle.