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!
Report to follow in a week or two.
