Handrails & Stanchions

Handrails and Stanchions for Boats - Resources & Information

As an essential part of marine safety, Handrails and Stanchions are designed to keep your passengers and belongings safe when you’re on the water. Handrails for boats help passengers navigate when embarking, navigating the vessel on choppy seas, and disembarking. Stanchions, on the other hand, are vertical poles located around the perimeter of your boat for installing lifelines.

To help outfit your boat, PartsVu has a complete selection of Stanchions and Handrails, including all the hardware, specialized maintenance tools, and parts you need from OEM and aftermarket manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for rail mounts for boats, bar rails and fittings, stainless steel stanchions, and more, PartsVu has what you need to get the job done. 

Need help servicing your outboard engine? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters service their outboard engines. Browse our outboard maintenance blog for a wide range of relevant topics and see the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence.

Handrails & Stanchions FAQ

What should I know about Handrails & Stanchions?

Here’s some info you need to know about Handrails & Stanchions:

• Due to stanchions and most handrails being mounted on the exterior of your boat, you’ll want to choose corrosion-resistant parts - especially for saltwater boaters. If you have the choice, a stainless hand rail is always better than steel handrail parts that eventually corrode after prolonged exposure to the harsh aquatic environment and constant UV exposure.
• Consider which types of exposed metal and metal handrail fittings you’ll install on your vessel. Stainless handrails often absorb heat and the sun’s rays, making them hot to the touch and can cause injury (especially for small children). Consider installing PVC coated handrails in high-use areas as a solution or coat any handrails with white marine paint to reflect heat.
• Stanchions serve a functional purpose beyond safety: Making boat maintenance easier. Many boaters get into the habit of using lifelines and stanchions to hold shore-power cords and keep hoses off the deck while in the slip. 
• Installing grab rails for boats is a must for commercial vessels, and recreational can enhance their boating experience by applying the same installation principles. To make your job look as professional as possible, consider buying a handrail joining kit with all included hardware. Having matching equipment not only looks more sleek and uniform but also ensures a better fit to prevent damage to your boat. 
• Consider keeping rail parts as part of your onboard maintenance kit. Having a broken stanchion, for instance, can cause water to seep into the mounting holes or drag in the water. By being prepared with simple mounting tools and basic hardware, you’re able to address these issues before getting back to dry land. 
• Every time you service your boat or before winterization, be sure to pay attention to all stanchion and handrail hardware. Due to age, use, and vibration, handrail clamps and pipe handrail fittings may start to become loose. While still sturdy, even tiny holes can introduce moisture - a significant problem during long-term storage.

What are the differences between life jackets and PFDs?

First, let’s break down the general differences between the terms ‘life jacket,’ ‘life vest,’ and ‘PFD.’ Simply put, all life jackets and life vests are wearable PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), but not all PFDs are life jackets, vests, or wearable, for that matter. A PFD is simply any device used to help a person stay afloat. This includes ring buoys, buoyant cushions, and inflatable belts. PFD designs include wearable and non-wearable styles, different types, and different performance levels.

How do PFDs work?

Standard PFDs use foam to stay afloat, though inflatable and hybrid designs are common as well. 

Inflatable PFDs rely on CO2 cylinders. They inflated either manually, by pulling on a string, or automatically through exposure to water. The primary benefit of inflatables is that they tend to be lightweight and less bulky than other options. However, you always run the risk of a malfunction if the inflatable isn’t in proper condition. More on this later. 

Regardless of their composition, the function of any PFD is to provide buoyancy if you unexpectedly find yourself in the water. Some are designed to simply assist the user in swimming. Others are designed to flip the wearer upright and allow them to breathe, even if they’re unconscious. Fatigue, injury, cold, or simply being a weak or non-swimmer are all conditions that may necessitate extra help.

How do I ensure my child’s life jacket fits properly?

For many of us, there is nothing more enjoyable than a day on the water with family. Yet, for families with young kids, the dangers of boating can be a significant source of anxiety. Thankfully, there is a range of kids’ life jackets available to give you and your children peace of mind while you enjoy your day on the water. A few extra pounds of buoyancy, provided by the proper life jacket, can be the difference between life and death. 

Specific boating laws will vary depending on the state, but U.S. federal law requires each boat to have one life jacket on board per passenger. Even in states where there are no child-specific laws, the Coast Guard requires children under 13 to wear a personal flotation device or PFD. 

With so many types of life jackets to choose from, how do you know which kid’s life jacket is right for your child? The type of life jacket you need will depend on the environment in which you’re boating and the recreational activities you partake in.

Once you’ve determined the type of life jacket that will be appropriate for your child, you may ask yourself: How do I properly fit a kid’s life jacket? A properly fitted life jacket is one that fits snugly on your child’s body while remaining comfortable. If at its tightest the life jacket is loose or gaps anywhere on your child, it is too big. On the opposite end, if the jacket is difficult to get into, the jacket is too small. It’s important that you find the right fit for your child for two key reasons. First, a snug fit means that the life jacket won’t be able to slip off in an emergency. Second, a comfortable fit means that your child will quickly grow accustomed to wearing it, and will be more likely to keep it on and stay safe (even when you’re not looking!). 

Each company’s sizing will run differently, but are generally based on chest and waist measurements. Be sure to take your child’s measurements into account, and take new measurements each year to ensure the best fit. 

After selecting the size of the life jacket, do a test fit well before heading out on the water. This will allow you to exchange the jacket if it is ill-fitting or uncomfortable. If possible, do this at a swimming pool so that your child can get used to wearing it in the water, get a feel for how it works, and make any necessary adjustments to the straps. 

Each life jacket will be a little bit different, but the following steps apply to most:

1. Slip the jacket over your child’s head and zip the front zipper all the way up to their neck
2. Fasten the bottom buckle, securing the jacket to their waist
3. Tighten or loosen the jacket using the adjustment straps on either side. 
4. At this point, the jacket should be snug. However, if the jacket has leg straps, adjust these as an added precaution to prevent the life jacket from riding up. 
5. To double-check the fit, attempt to lift your child by the jacket’s shoulder straps. If the vest comes up past their chin, the jacket needs to be tighter or a smaller size needs to be purchased.
6. If a pool or calm body of water is available, have your child practice floating face up while wearing their life vest. Ensure that the straps stay in place and that the jacket effectively keeps your child’s head above water. 

While test-fitting the jacket, it’s a good idea to show your child how to properly fit it on themselves. Explain each step as you go to ensure that, should a dangerous situation arise where you are unable to help them, they can secure themselves with confidence. 

Keep in mind that children are more prone to panic if they fall into the water suddenly. A common reaction is for them to violently wave their arms and legs. This has the potential to further endanger your child; even though the PFD will keep them afloat, it may not keep them face-up if they are panicking in the water. It is therefore essential that your child understands the importance of staying calm in the water and is supervised at all times. 

Please note that the U.S. Coast Guard warns against the dangers of bringing an infant onboard a recreational boat. It is essential that infants under 18 pounds have their life jackets carefully tested and fitted in a calm pool setting to ensure maximum safety. However, in a dangerous real-life scenario, it can be nearly impossible to predict how well the PFD will work.

What other boat safety equipment should I have on hand?

When out on the water, the only items you have are the ones you bring. People often forget about the possibility of minor injuries, but some additional preparedness will have you ready for anything.

• Bring a first aid kit along for all outings. This is especially important when fishing.
• Since the sun reflects off the water, it is wise to consistently apply proper sun protection to make sure you don’t get burned. Sun protective clothing is a smart choice— it provides all-day protection that doesn’t need reapplying. Pro-tip: some sunscreen is toxic for the marine environment and repels fish, who can smell even trace amounts on bait. For any part of your body not covered by UPF clothing, use a sunscreen that’s both reef-safe and fish-friendly.
• While some boats are simply too large for this to be practical, carrying a paddle or two on board is a good idea in many cases. Even if you can’t paddle all the way back to a marina or dock when your engine goes, you may be able to reach the closest bit of land and wait for help. A good anchor with enough chain will also be helpful.
• We’ve written extensively on the importance of a VHF radio, but it simply can’t be overstated. Cell phones aren’t enough in many areas, and you’ll be glad to have the security.
• Be alert to changing conditions on the water and aware of weather that can change quickly. The danger of boating in a storm is no joke!
• Finally, bring plenty of drinking water for everyone on board to stay hydrated. In the face of unexpected problems, you don’t want to be caught stuck on your boat with an insufficient water supply.