Securing guardrail netting down to an aluminium toerail

[MagicalArmchair]

The try and keep the crew mostly on board, I fitted netting around Mirages decks on our first visit back to the boat yesterday to check on her. It looks good (considering it was a rush job whilst dinner was being made down below), however, I find it gives security if you can secure it down to the toe rail at the midpoint between stanchions, and its a little baggy without that.

The gang we are securing:

The netting and the toe rail (excuse the state of the deck, she is still very grubby):

The toe rail extrusion looks like the below.

Whats the best method? Drill a small hole through the ally and lash the bottom line on? Or drill two small holes and rivet on hooks like these , being careful to apply duralec or similar due to the dissimilar metals?

 

[duncan99210]

We just drilled holes in the toe rail as required, countersunk both sides to remove roughness and took the bottom line through those. That takes advantage of the strength of the toe rail rather than a couple of screws or pop rivets. Also on a Bavaria of similar vintage to yours.

 

[prv]

Another vote for just drilling holes. Your goal is to secure cordage, for which a hole is perfectly sufficient; extra metalwork doesn't really add anything.

Pete

 

[seumask]

We did not have a toerail and found that a 5mm rope along the toe rail between stanchion bases worked well. In addition it was useful to be able to lift up the bottom of the netting a few inches occasionally when mooring with Springs etc.

 

[Hermit]

We did similar but with some sizeable elastic cord. Easy to move and seem 'grabby' to anything trying to get/roll underneath.

We did not have a toerail and found that a 5mm rope along the toe rail between stanchion bases worked well. In addition it was useful to be able to lift up the bottom of the netting a few inches occasionally when mooring with Springs etc.

 

[peteK]

I dont like drilling holes in boats so would try the other suggestions first and if they dont work drill holes.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

I dont like drilling holes in boats so would try the other suggestions first and if they dont work drill holes.

Indeed, drilling holes fills me with dread ?, its the permanence of it I think, however, that said, I think its probably the best course of action. The next question is one hole or two? Baring in mind the bottom control line of the netting will need to pass through a hoop or whatever to hold it down.

Something like the below, passed through a single hole? Giving the benefit its bungee, so I will be able to stretch the netting up when needed?

30 x BALL BUNGEES TARPAULIN TARP BUNGEE CORD TRAMPOLINE: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Interesting... you can get clamps for the price of your left kidney: Toe Rail Clamp for Bavaria (from 2001) buy now | SVB - that would save me drilling the toe rail... a hole is somewhat cheaper.