Ship's bell location

[Subway Sailor]

I am wanting to have a functional yet removable ship's bell on my pocket sized 28ft southern cross. Now the problem, where should this be mounted....?

Over the companionway? Off the stern rail? Side of mast? Backstay radar mount?

Would you be so kind to share your pics with me......


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[El Pinguino]

What is the intended function? What size is the bell?

If you want to attract attention I reckon one of those 'Hear ye! Hear ye!!' Town Crier hand held jobbies would be the duck's guts.

[Subway Sailor]

Use is for both sound and charm, I'm looking at 6 inch brass bells, then would enjoy knotting up my own bell rope. I just don't know where to mount it outside, as i have never really seen them on smaller boats., as per the CG, they are Required on ships larger than 65 ft.


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[El Pinguino]

Don't think I would like a bell outside... while abed below and having the clanger breaking loose while lying ahull ....

'"Perchance he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.'

I think maybe that would push me over the edge....

[Ex-Calif]

A bell on a small boat is a novelty. Mine was on the forward bulkhead in the salon.

[markpierce]

Bell not required for your small boat. If having one, however, locate it conveniently so you can ring it every couple minutes while anchored in the fog, all night if necessary, if that's your thing.

[Lepke]

Mount it in such a way that it is difficult for the scrappers to steal.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

A bell on a small boat is a novelty. Mine was on the forward bulkhead in the salon.

That's where the one on my boat was... previous owners took it with 'em ... never replaced.

[ozskipper]

What is the purpose of the Bell? If its just decorative, put it on a bulkhead where no one will hit their head on it.
However, if its decorative, no matter where you put it, you will use it three times, then tie up the bells "rope" and probably never use it again. It will become another object to clean.
Certainly dont put it anywhere outside where it can get running rigging caught on it. So no, nowhere near the mast/cockpit/bow etc. Maybe in the dinghy.

[Hudson Force]

As my vessel is slightly longer than those not required to have a ship's bell, I keep a bell to comply with USCG requirements. I have a mounting bracket on the front of my mizzen, but I've placed an anti-chafing tape over it so it doesn't rub on my mainsheet.

My bell remains behind the microwave oven in my galley where I can gain access to it if I am ever boarded for a Coast Guard inspection or if I ever decide to anchor in fog. Neither of these events have ever happened so my bell remains behind the microwave!

[Subway Sailor]

Now keep in mind that i would mount it inside on a bulkhead when not sailing and then bring it out when aboard. I like having the option of the bell if necessary.


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[Group9]

Ours is mounted on the forward bulkhead of the salon. Just there for looks really, and to comply if boarded. We usually remove the clapper when sailing because it drives us crazy otherwise.

[svHyLyte]

We carry an 8" ships bell (similar to the below) that mounts in a slide-in bracket. We have two of the brackets, one on the bulkhead in the Salon for storage and a second on the binnacle for use. In the event of heavy fog we move the bell to the cockpit where it can be rung at intervals as required by Regulations. (One of the advantages to certain VHF Radios that include loud-hailers is the automatic fog Bell function included with some that takes over the bell ringing function.) While some may doubt the effectiveness of such bells, we have found they can be heard for a surprisingly long distance.

[Moody46CC]

I have the same set-up as svHyLyte. Weems and Plath made the bell; they can sell you an extra bracket so you can keep the bell below and move it to the cockpit or deck in case you need to use it.

[ozskipper]

Originally Posted by Moody46CC

I have the same set-up as svHyLyte. Weems and Plath made the bell; they can sell you an extra bracket so you can keep the bell below and move it to the cockpit or deck in case you need to use it.

Wow, just reading deeper into this thread.

It appears you yanks have to have a Bell by law. WOW!

Usually, on a small boat, someone screaming is enough to get my attention. Perhaps it a conspiracy between bell makers and the authorities to sell more bells.

(that should get a few conspiracy nuts thinking anyway- they will 'connect' the bells to JFK if they try hard enough)