They make for a good "handle". I often use the dodger as a "handle" when going forward. I wish there was an actual handle on the dodger.
This got me thinking. I, too, have used the dodger, the Bimini, and/or the boom as "handrails/handles" going up and down from the cabin top. But I have "insisted" on thinking of this step down as a stair step and done it facing aft. What if I thought of it as a ladder step and turned and faced forward? Stepping down and backwards. I just got my boat waxed so all the surfaces are a tad slippery at best. I'm going to experiment with a forward facing decent. At a combined crew total age of 158 years, that seems prudent! Report to follow in a week or two.
Here is the promised report on using the "old geezer" stanchion used as a hand railing and descending the cabin top as if descending a ladder---backwards. I think it is a dramatic improvement in safety. I was able to keep a firm grasp on the "geezer" stanchion handle as I used the initial step to the coaming step and then all the way to the cockpit seat. I never felt like I had any iffy balancing with which to cope. I think the pics show the technique. I initially turned outboard about 90 degrees with the step to the coaming step, and then I turned all the way around. At no time did I have to give any substantial weight to the Bimini frame nor the boom. They could be used as a slight steading handhold, but they did not take any of my weight as I descended. Hope this is useful for those of us with "aging issues!"
Stickinthemud57 built me additional brackets for my starboard "old geezer stanchion." They came in handy for a recent family outing with visiting relatives. My brother got to use/test the mod, too.
I'm. It quite ready for the old geezer handles (which means I am still in denial) but the technique of facing forward while stepping down into the cockpit makes so much sense to me. Obvious in hind sight, but that's where I struggle for balance. Very helpful!
Piddle and Futz wrote: ↑Sat Apr 19, 2025 1:33 pm
I'm. It quite ready for the old geezer handles (which means I am still in denial) but the technique of facing forward while stepping down into the cockpit makes so much sense to me. Obvious in hind sight, but that's where I struggle for balance. Very helpful!
Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. It is good to know that once in a while a moderately good idea emerges from my octogenarian mind! Stay safe out there everyone.
If you don't have a printing resource and would like a set, PM me. Herschel has made donations to the forum in exchange, and I like that idea.
And I recommend the two-part type cane I used to have the option of extending the stanchion. I like the two-piece canes better than the four or three piece ones for simplicity sake. When you want it, you just stick the top back on with one movement. When you don't you break it down with one action. The internal bungee, of course, keeps the two halves of the cane together.
If you don't have a printing resource and would like a set, PM me. Herschel has made donations to the forum in exchange, and I like that idea.
And I recommend the two-part type cane I used to have the option of extending the stanchion. I like the two-piece canes better than the four or three piece ones for simplicity sake. When you want it, you just stick the top back on with one movement. When you don't you break it down with one action. The internal bungee, of course, keeps the two halves of the cane together.
I should add - if anyone needs different diameters that is easy to do. Just let me know.
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
Report to follow in a week or two.
