My P14 has a bow pulpit, and I've never had any problem using a whisker
pole to wing out the jib or genoa. The foot of the genoa may touch the
pulpit, as on most boats, but the pole doesn't. I recommend a bow pulpit
but have never found a need for the side rails on my boat. The swept back
cabin sides on the early Potters like mine provide some side enclosure of
the cockpit, which may be why I haven't felt the need for side rails.
Harry
P14 #234, Manatee
Mountain View, CA
Mike Stallings reportedly wrote:
> Thanks Ken. Now I know that bow rails interfere with poled out
>headsails, and side rails interfere with rowing. That makes the rail buying
>decision much easier. I'll just have to live with fewer places to tie
>things off.