Look what’s missing

[Lite Tackle]

I noticed that moving to the bow on the Seafarer one can feel a bit unsure. What was missing was a grab rail. I found these at Great Lakes Skipper. Description was vague and I was not 100% on what I was gonna receive. But, the price was incredible. Fed Ex just dropped off a nice surprise. They will be perfect. Powder coated 1” stainless railing, 65” long and are just right for hardtop. Ever so slight bow to them which will work nicely for the rounded ends of the top. 1/4-20 threads, which I discovered as ad stated 3/16”. Ordering up some 316 stainless 1/4-20 x 1 1/2” button head Allen bolts and fender washers.

 

[Greyduk]

That looks very interesting. Please post pictures when you get under way.

 

[Willy-C]

How do they fasten?

 

[Lite Tackle]

How do they fasten?

I was mistaken, they are 5/16-18 threads, 5/8” deep. Hardtop 3/4” to 7/8” thick, add 1 1/2” washers (thinking .120) and I need 1 1/2” bolts. All 316 SS of course.

 

[Ky Grady]

If it was me, I'd get some SS all thread and cut to length at each location held in with thread lock on bottom of rail, with SS flat washers and Nyloc's and cap any remaining thread off with a acorn nut. Whole lot easier than hoping you drill hole and it matches the hole location on bottom of rail. Basically you now have a stud going through hardtop to work with. Just a thought.

 

[Lite Tackle]

Not a bad idea KY, although I won’t be hoping I drill it correctly. I have a set of 1/4” dowel pins that fit perfect to getter rite. I wanted nice fasteners and found 316 NL-19TM FOREVERBOLT. Quality finish. Will be done right.

 

[Ky Grady]

The dowels should work well. Post pics of the finished product.

 

[Lite Tackle]

The dowels should work well. Post pics of the finished product.

I’ll get a few pics of the install. Right now we have rain and boat is covered. Installed an air horn on the hardtop to replace the horn that was broken with the cover on and it was not fun. Honestly, if I hadn’t pulled the trigger on the hardware, I would have given hard thought on your idea. Thanks

 

[ROBERTH]

This is a good idea! Can't wait to see it finished.

 

[Sdfish]

Great Find! Good luck with install!

 

[Fishtales]

pics please. good idea

 

[Lite Tackle]

Hardware arrived and weather report looks real good. Will take pics. Got a DC sub panel for radio box, couple rod holders, new battery trays and a few other installs planned. Bittersweet being on call. Should be on the water. Was gonna name the boat “Knot On Call”, but I’m starting to think it would be a lie.

 

[Lite Tackle]

Got the grab rail installed today. Happy with outcome.

 

[Ky Grady]

Looks good LT! Nice work.

 

[Greyduk]

I like it!!!

 

[ROBERTH]

Very good! I am sure it will be great to have handy when needed.

A few years back, while I was having my hardtop pipes repaired from a crack, they put in a bar from front to back along the walkway and it is amazing how much safer it is now when passing back and forth, especially in seas. Handles are very good to have and yours looks professionally installed!

 

[Bayhouse]

When I first read this thread, I had envisioned them on the underside of the hardtop but this makes much more sense. Looks great!

 

[Lite Tackle]

Thanks guys, happy with how it turned out. Maybe a tie off point if I haul my crab pots up there. I have one of those bungy nets that could come in handy.

 

[Lite Tackle]

Holes sealed up good with 4200. Seems very ridged and secure.

 

[usmm1234]

Very nice! Adds safety when you are anchoring or running to grab dock lines