Stern Pulpit Extension

[dougklay]

I have an Island Packet 420. The stern railing barely comes around the stern corners of the boat going forward. I was thinking of replacing the lifelines from this point fore to the gate with stainless tubing. (More room to 'hang stuff' for that Conestoga wagon look!). Any reason I should NOT replace the aft portion of the lifelines with SS tubing?

[jimmalkin]

Other than the cost of ss tubing, the windage and additional weight, the only thing I can think of is "look." It might look somewhat clunky - and it seems easier to hang stuff on lifelines?

[JohnRPollard]

dougklay,

I think it would work and look fine. I have a friend with a Brewer 44 that did same and it is very nice having the solid handrail to hold when moving in/out of the cockpit area. Also, some builders are now continuing the stern rail all the way forward to the mid-ship boarding gate, at the request of customers.

You don't have to lose the lifeline/clothesline either. My friend mounted his ss rail about 2 inches lower than the top lifeline, leaving it in place.