Mine was removed from the front stanchion aft. The previous owner did the work. They put the bolts back in.

Unless you are in the habit of moving around on the low side I don't think the safety factor is huge.

One thing that concerns me is that the metal toe rail is great armor against collision. Otherwise I don't miss it.

:: An alternative is tracks. I have asymmetrical (lip on
:: outside edge) which looks clean.
::
:: Joe.
::
:: :: I did just this on my boat. The deck/hull connection was
:: :: then bolted/screwed together. It makes sitting on the
:: :: rail comfortable, but the loss of a foothold is not so
:: :: safe for the crew. I am planning on adding back the
:: :: handrails to the cabin top to address the safety issue.
:: :: If I were doing ocean racing, I would definitely want
:: :: toerails.
:: ::
:: :: There is also the convenience factor of being able to
:: :: clip things to the toerails.
:: ::
:: :: Maryann
:: ::
:: :: :: I am thinking of removing the toe rails from the first
:: :: :: stanchion all the way back.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Any thoughts to if it is better to remove them or keep
:: :: :: them?
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Also, do people put the bolts back in or epoxy the
:: :: :: holes?
:: :: ::
:: :: :: thanks,
:: ::
:: :: :: Don