:: 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...
::
I like the concept of the T-track on the aft sections of the deck, I know Carl liked this style as well. I have the orginal drawings of the deck lay-out and he has it drawn as you explained. We intend on having an 1 1/8" high Teak Toe-rail extending from the bow to the first staunchion, but welcome the interest in T-track down aft.

:: ::
:: ::
:: :: 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.