Grab Rails

[Hooky]

IMG_1833.jpg (33.96 KiB) Viewed 3037 times

Rather than a toe rail I decided to add grab rails to the cabin top. I think grab rails will provide additional hand holds, somewhere to tie off fenders and look good. I built the rail from Hoop Pine and will laminate a strip of blue gum on top after the final install. To ensure the smooth curve I steamed the rails and bent them on a jig.
For a detailed description of the build and pics check out the Blog.
https://hookypocketship.blogspot.com

[dbeck]

We did that too [1], but we installed them more inward. Watch out to avoid a conflict with the chainplates to be installed later.

[1] viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1096&start=40
see last image, you have to scroll a bit ...

[Hooky]

G’Day Dietrich,
Thanks for the info mate, especially as my rails sit above and are screwed into the sheer clamps. I did consider this when installing the rail by laying a ruler against the hull side where the chain plates sits and it looks like it will just miss the rail. plus I cut the rail feet at the same angle of the cabin top so they sit very upright however if it fouls then I may have to install timber shims under the chain plates, I guess I won’t know until I install the mast.
Cheers
Terry

[slash2]

I also did that, but in oak. I made mine shorter- probably a bit too short, but I can still get a thin line through it to tie bumpers off, etc. I too like the way they look and it does give more purchase for your foot if you slip. I also mounted mine along the edge and vertical so the chain plates clear and I could screw them into the sheer clamps. I just bunged the holes, but your method of the top strip will look very nice. I think the only thing to check on the chain plate is to be sure the hole for the shackle clears the top of your Toerail.

[Hooky]

Hi Steve, good point thanks mate, If the shackle fouls on the grab rail I'll consider a timber shim (similar to Kermadec, I hope Rob doesn't mind me using his boat pic as an example) I think I can make it a nice chain plate feature as well.
Cheers
Terry

[Dmitriy]

Great job Terry! It looks nice.
I was thinking about grab rails like this at first but ended up doing the original. I'm worried about the possibility of your foot getting jammed if you're moving on top and slip. What do you think about that?

[Hooky]

G'Day Dmitriy,
I think you should not mix too much Vodka in your coffee thus preventing any possibility of slipping lol
Cheers mate
Terry

[dbeck]

Terry, I tried the boat three times (still waiting for the official launch), but I have to say that the slope of the cabin roof feels quite steep. Once the skipper slips and falls into the water, it might be bad experience, especially single handed. Watching Pocketship videos on YT, I am impressed how fast and easily John Harris moves between cockpit and anchor well.

[slash2]

I feel pretty sure-footed on the cabin top, but having the Sea-deck kit there helps a lot. I also keep a hand on a stay or the mast as an odd wave can surprise you. “One hand for the boat, one for yourself”

[Dmitriy]

G'Day Dmitriy,
I think you should not mix too much Vodka in your coffee thus preventing any possibility of slipping lol
Cheers mate
Terry

I never stain vodka with coffee. Only pure drink ))))

As for the boat, I walked on it from stern to bow when it was on the cradle. The roof of the cabin is quite round, Dietrich also noticed this. If you add open water conditions - waves and wind, everything can be even more complicated.
Ok, let's wait for the launch and see how it will be in reality.