Why

We instructed the builder to not install their standard handrail to helm solution on TALATA, finding it too heavy, space-consuming and with too many hard edges. (The Neel solution is a metal rail fixed to the cockpit floor on one end and the helm station deck on the other. The top also serves as a step to the helm station bench). We found the top of the standard rail too low. When descending you had nothing to easily grip. Ergonomically not well-conceived.

We also wanted the handrail gone in order to access the niche below the hollow steps from the cockpit, since in the cockpit there’s no storage space at all.

Without a handrail however, Tania complained that there was nothing to grasp onto, especially when underway. She came up with an ingenious new rail idea.

Pros

This began as a handrail and has become so so much more.

• It’s perfect for ascending and descending or holding onto when standing in the cockpit underway.
• Depending on your position, you have a choice of the long horizontal area, a short vertical area or curved bend to hold onto. In fact, the curved bend rounds up the perfection of it.
• The rail is also perfect to hang various boat stuff to. We hang our mooring hook and tie our SUP paddles here (as well as any sailor bits and bobs as you can see…)
• And just in case you missed this bit: Its curved! No sharp, dangerous corner!

Really, what’s not to love?! 

Cons

None whatsoever.

What would do differently 

In hindsight it may have been even better to extend it further to the edge. You could affix the rail to the sharp top corner that’s a potential injury underway for taller Neel owners.

In fact, we don’t understand why Neel’s design office didn’t envisage a rail like this from the start… 

PS:

In case you’re interested, we’ve put a basket with drainage holes under the steps where can now stash our snorkelling gear, flipflops etc.!