What is Pulpit & Pushpit?
The pulpit is a stainless steel or aluminum tubular railing structure at the bow providing secure handhold area and anchor handling workspace, while the pushpit (stern pulpit) provides similar safety and equipment mounting at the stern.
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What it is
The pulpit is a stainless steel or aluminum tubular railing structure at the bow providing secure handhold area and anchor handling workspace, while the pushpit (stern pulpit) provides similar safety and equipment mounting at the stern. They mount to deck or toerail with substantial stainless steel bases through-bolted with backing plates, and often incorporate mounting points for navigation lights, antennas, solar panels and safety equipment.
What it does
Pulpits and pushpits prevent crew from falling overboard during anchoring, sail handling and line work by providing waist-high barriers and secure handholds when working at boat ends where no other support exists. The pulpit provides a safety platform for deploying and retrieving anchors, handling headsail tack and working with bow lines during docking. The pushpit similarly protects crew while providing mounting structure for equipment like radar, wind generators and BBQ grills.
Why it matters
Corroded or compromised pulpit/pushpit mountings pose a real safety hazard. If a crew member places weight on a weakened pulpit, bolt or base failure could result in loss of support and a MOB situation. Loose or degraded mounting bases can progressively enlarge bolt holes, damage deck cores, and admit water, leading to delamination and rot. In that state, the structure may no longer be reliable for load applications like jackline or tether attachment, making safety lines ineffective when most needed.
General Maintenance
At each annual haul-out or inspection, carefully examine pulpit and pushpit mounting bases for looseness, deck cracks and corrosion of through-bolts. Tighten or re-bed hardware using proper marine sealant and reinforced backing where needed. Inspect all welds and tube joints, especially at base intersections, bends, or fittings, for hairline cracks or crevice corrosion. Apply force in multiple directions to each tube: any perceptible flex or wobble suggests mount failure, cracked welds, or deck damage and should be addressed.
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