Legacy coaming modification idea

[Neil D]

Question for Legacy owners.

I am growing increasingly frustrated with the "fun noodle" lifelines that run along the cockpit port and starboard.  The fabric covers constantly slide off the foam and they are functionally and optically a mess IMHO.  Not that comfy to lean against (coming previously from a Montgomery 15 with higher coamings) and only really good to grab onto when coming about in a blow.  All in all a downgrade from the C16 cockpit, now that I have owned the boat for several years.

Has anyone ever tried removing the foam altogether and replaced with flat planks of teak?  I envision a single attach point by the bulkhead, and two attach points on the stainless steel gallows to keep the plank somewhat rigid.   Could wind up looking very Herrshoff or, if it goes bad, very Frankenstein.

I've already removed the stern lifeline as it gets in the way of reaching the outboard, and I haven't missed it since.

Thoughts?

[kahpho]

Sounds like a good project, certainly do-able and an improvement to boot. Functionality seems easy enough, esthetics might be more of a challenge but surely not that hard. I'd love to see a picture of your finished results when you're ready to reveal it.

[Renae]

Could wind up looking very Herrshoff or, if it goes bad, very Frankenstein.

But more likely somewhere in between...Frankenschoff!

[crazycarl]

Perhaps a decorative, but subtle webbing of sort?

[Roy]

Hi Neil.  I totally get your observations  on the Legacy coaming but have not put to much thought to it till you mentioned it. I have owned mine for over 7 years and understand what you are talking about. The most frustrating part is the fact that the foam tube and cover is to short  and it slides all across the  the lifelines which is part of the problem.  If they would cover the full length of the lifelines it would solve the optical issues.  Just curious if you opted for the cockpit cushions which I have and adds to the comfort level. As far as comfort goes it might also be a good idea to  change the diameter of the noodle as the current noodle is very thin and is not to comfy. Of course you would also have to have new covers made . This might be another option. I like your idea  also  but  requires  a lot of modifications  and  maybe a little risky ( visually).  What a great boat though. Had ?little Dutch ? out on the Gulf today
In 20 knott winds with gusts over 25. She did great. Got to test my new furling jib as I had  a furler installed a month ago. Nice to have especially when the water gets rough and I don?t have to go to the  bow of the boat . Looking forward to seeing what you end up doing Neil.  Sail on.  Roy

[oceanroadus]

Hello, I have had my Legacy almost a year and the lifelines came with pvc electrical conduit, then foam (noodle or other type like pipe insulation), then the canvas covers wrapped around the wire cable.  The combo works and is quite comfortable.  The conduit is cheap and keeps the foam from getting torn up, also more comfortable on the back.  I removed the one on the stern and put it in the garage as it was just in the way when doing anything aft.