I noticed in the specs of the new boat that a teak toe rail is being used. Similar to the 80's vintage J-24's, I assume. Much more comfortable and gives some "crash buffer" although not as much as the stamped, aluminum rail. It's definitely not as versatile as the aluminum rail, either.

I took the mid-section off of my boat and have worried about it since. We took a hit in the aft section this season and the toe rail basically saved the deck. Comfort-wise, the PVC pipe option helps somewhat, but a day could get pretty long on the rail, even with that.

Has Norris considered the option of running the standard rail back to the first staunchion and then going with T-track (ala a J/27 or Soverel 27 from) there back? It adds a bit of weight, since you have to add a car wherever you want a block, but it's stout, comfortable, gives somewhat of a lip to brace your foot against and gives the same rigging flexibility as the stamped rail. If I had to do it again, I'd replace the toe rail with the genoa track...

::
::
:: The crew comfort issue can be solved for under $5 by
:: pop-riveting a piece of pvc pipe along the inside of the
:: toe rail, as many boats have done.