Cockpit gunwale hand rails on new 2018 R-27

[baz]

Subject: Cockpit gunwale hand rails on new 2018 R-27

Have others noticed that the new 2018 R-27 does not hand rails along the gunwales on port or starboard sides nor on the transom.

I can understand the reason for the transom/stern as there's the electric grill and propane locker and cockpit/platform door. However, there seems to be little obstruction to hand rails on port or starboard sides.

When I enquired about this I was told the gunwales have been made high enough to forgo the need for handrails. Presumably this must also mean the new gunwale height meets some form of safety height regulations, right ? The required height for no rails may well be the measure from the cockpit floor to the gunwale topside... but I dunno.

Actually, I kind of like (the visual look) the absence of the port/starboard side hand rails. Means I can place my bum of more seating surfaces... :lol:

Also, note the swim step drop down ladder is on the stern face of the engine platform, thus allowing swimmers to board when starboard tie-up at the dock which is the preferred side for boarding using the swim platform and transom door.

 

[stwendl]

Subject: Cockpit gunwale hand rails on new 2018 R-27

Also, note the swim step drop down ladder is on the stern face of the engine platform, thus allowing swimmers to board when starboard tie-up at the dock which is the preferred side for boarding using the swim platform and transom door.

You don't say, that is nice to know. When I got my new 2015/16 model it had it on stbd side. My first question to the factory was why and I gave them plenty points of views why this was unpractical. It is somewhat satisfying that my input made it into the new design.

Now my question how do I get it on my boat. Wondering if the platforms are exchangeable In terms of mounting holes and size.

 

[baz]

The swim platform on the R-27 (Classic) and the new 2018 R-27's engine platform are totally different. The R-27 (Classic) has a bolted on swim step with supporting struts. The new 2018 R-27's engine/swim-step platform is an integral part of the boat's structure and has no supporting struts.