Center Fitting for Handrail (Bulwark Mount) – AISI 316 Stainless Steel

This center handrail base is an essential component for longer railing spans on boats, ensuring that the railing remains rigid and secure between the end posts. By anchoring the middle of a handrail to the boat’s structure (such as a bulwark, cockpit coaming, or cabin side), it greatly reduces flex and vibration when weight is applied to the rail. Fabricated from AISI 316 stainless steel, it offers excellent resistance to saltwater, UV exposure, and physical wear – making it ideal for the demanding marine environment. The design features a flat backing plate that mounts flush to a vertical surface with sturdy screws or bolts, and a socket to cradle the railing tube securely. Once installed, the center fitting bears loads from people leaning or pulling on the rail, distributing force into the hull or superstructure rather than stressing the rail tubing alone. This results in a safer and more solid feeling rail, especially on larger vessels or boats with long runs of railing (for instance, along the side decks or around flybridges). The 22 mm version is commonly used on small to medium boats where standard rail diameter is 22 mm – for example, on guardrails of boats ~5–7 m in length. The 25 mm version suits heavier-duty rails on bigger boats and yachts, providing extra support for vessels above 7 m or any application using 1-inch rails. Both sizes of this center base will fit seamlessly with existing hardware, as the polished finish and sleek design complement other stainless fittings. Installation tips: position the center base at roughly the midpoint of the rail span or at intervals (if multiple supports are needed for very long rails), ensuring alignment with the rail. Use appropriate fasteners and backing washers where possible for maximum hold. With this bulwark-mount center handrail base in place, your railings will have a professional, shipyard-installed quality – no sagging or bending when pressed. It’s an important upgrade for rail systems on yachts, fishing boats, and sailboats, enhancing both safety and aesthetics.