Gate in guardrail wires

[Gymnopedie]

I need to fit a gate in the guardrail wires of my Beneteau 311. Does anyone know of a source for ready made units?

 

[MoodySabre]

There is another thread running on this topic. Stanchions with an extra support leg are easy to source. Google stanchions

 

[Tranona]

To do the job properly is much more complex than it seems. Have a look at boats that are fitted with them from the factory and you will see two substantial stanchions, often with double bases - that is the stanchion has two legs - either side of the gat. Jus breaking the guard wires at two single leg stanchions is not enough. Then you have to make up 3 pairs of new wires with terminals and pelican hooks at the gate. All this times two if you want both sides done.

The only way of reducing this cost/complexity is to have the "gate" between the pushpit and the first stanchion forward as it is on the latest Bavaria 33/34. You will still need to replace the stanchion with a double leg one. This works well as you board alongside the cockpit, but inconvenient if you want to fit canvas dodgers.

 

[JumbleDuck]

To do the job properly is much more complex than it seems. Have a look at boats that are fitted with them from the factory and you will see two substantial stanchions, often with double bases - that is the stanchion has two legs - either side of the gat. Jus breaking the guard wires at two single leg stanchions is not enough. Then you have to make up 3 pairs of new wires with terminals and pelican hooks at the gate. All this times two if you want both sides done.

It all depends on whether you want the rest of the wires to stay taut when the gate is open. If so then it is as you say, If not then life is much simpler, as the stanchions on each side of the gate need take no force. In that case all you have to do is have a pelican hook and loop at the join in the wires, somewhere between the stanchions.

 

[Tranona]

It all depends on whether you want the rest of the wires to stay taut when the gate is open. If so then it is as you say, If not then life is much simpler, as the stanchions on each side of the gate need take no force. In that case all you have to do is have a pelican hook and loop at the join in the wires, somewhere between the stanchions.

If only it were as simple as that, then why do all the factory installations use double base stanchions? How many times do we see posts here of failed single stanchions? Many are inadequate for their normal purpose, never mind taking the strain of being used for support when boarding. How many times have you heard the advice not to use stanchions for boarding? (hint read the article on boarding from a dinghy in this month's YM) The whole point of having a gate is that you use the supports either side to aid boarding. Once you have used them you will understand.

 

[JumbleDuck]

If only it were as simple as that, then why do all the factory installations use double base stanchions? How many times do we see posts here of failed single stanchions? Many are inadequate for their normal purpose, never mind taking the strain of being used for support when boarding. How many times have you heard the advice not to use stanchions for boarding? (hint read the article on boarding from a dinghy in this month's YM) The whole point of having a gate is that you use the supports either side to aid boarding. .

The whole point of having a gate is that you don't have to step over the wires; you don't need to pull yourself up by anything if you're boarding from a pontoon.

 

[maby]

In the first instance, I would try talking to a Beneteau main dealer - most larger current Benes have gates and you may find one that is compatible with your current setup in terms of appearance and wire height.

 

[Leighb]

The whole point of having a gate is that you don't have to step over the wires; you don't need to pull yourself up by anything if you're boarding from a pontoon.

That depends on how high your deck is above the pontoon.

 

[[70521]]

If only it were as simple as that, then why do all the factory installations use double base stanchions?

Building regulations.

 

[TangaraToo]

Is it possible to site the gate near enough to the shrouds to allow these to be used to pull on if need be rather than the stanchions?

 

[GrahamM376]

If only it were as simple as that, then why do all the factory installations use double base stanchions?

It is as simple as that, our "gates" run between 2 stanchions and the rest of the guard wire is still taut. Boarders are told to hold the shrouds, not stanchions, no problems in 13 years since I fitted them.

 

[maby]

It is as simple as that, our "gates" run between 2 stanchions and the rest of the guard wire is still taut. Boarders are told to hold the shrouds, not stanchions, no problems in 13 years since I fitted them.

A lot depends on the size and layout of the boat - and pontoon. I'm six foot give or take not very much, but I could not reach our shrouds while standing on the pontoon.

 

[GrahamM376]

A lot depends on the size and layout of the boat - and pontoon. I'm six foot give or take not very much, but I could not reach our shrouds while standing on the pontoon.

We also use a step fender which makes life a lot easier and less load on whatever is grabbed.

 

[Tranona]

It is as simple as that, our "gates" run between 2 stanchions and the rest of the guard wire is still taut. Boarders are told to hold the shrouds, not stanchions, no problems in 13 years since I fitted them.

Have a lok at most factory installations and you will see that the gates are nowhere near the shrouds, which is why they are made with double leg stanchions.

Why do people find that so difficult to understand when it can be seen on so many boats in any marina?

 

[Tranona]

The whole point of having a gate is that you don't have to step over the wires; you don't need to pull yourself up by anything if you're boarding from a pontoon.

You have clearly never tried boarding a modern high freeboard boat from a pontoon. You should come and try it sometime.

 

[TangaraToo]

Have a lok at most factory installations and you will see that the gates are nowhere near the shrouds, which is why they are made with double leg stanchions.

Dune has a gate fitted and does indeed have double legs. However, the flex in the stanchion is still very evident due to both legs being in the same plane so we ignore the gate and board at the shrouds.

 

[GrahamM376]

Have a lok at most factory installations and you will see that the gates are nowhere near the shrouds, which is why they are made with double leg stanchions.

Why do people find that so difficult to understand when it can be seen on so many boats in any marina?

Most factory fitted gates are not at the widest area of the boat so little use when rafted up.

 

[Tranona]

Most factory fitted gates are not at the widest area of the boat so little use when rafted up.

Width is not a problem on newer boats as most are as wide aft as in the middle. Gate is primarily for boarding from a dinghy or from a pontoon. Rafting is easier from near the shrouds.

 

[Tranona]

Dune has a gate fitted and does indeed have double legs. However, the flex in the stanchion is still very evident due to both legs being in the same plane so we ignore the gate and board at the shrouds.

The double leg rail on my Bavaria 33 is very substantial and quite capable of taking my full (and not inconsiderable 100kgs) weight without any sign of flexing every time I board from the pontoon.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I have just fitted gates to my Westerly. I replaced an existing stanchion with a double one, as already discussed, sturdy fittings were made for the new stanchion where it fits over the toe rail. The pushpit is used as the aft gate "post". Guardwires were cut and new fittings crimped on with a hydraulic crimper. The gates and all of the fitting were purchased from Premier Fittings (no connection) and the fittings were made locally.