The roll-bar has become an essential component on many boats, from inflatable boats and fishing boats to offshore sailing cruisers like the Stem 50. Let’s explore its advantages and how it improves life on board.
From calm lake waters to ocean challenges, a structural element that is becoming increasingly familiar on boats is the roll-bar. Once relegated to futuristic inflatable boats and racing hulls, this solid and functional metal arch has now won the hearts of boaters, transforming the way we experience and use our boats. More and more boaters want one on board, and as a result, designers and shipyards are trying to meet this new need by offering it on many boat models. Stem Marine, for example, uses it in the basic configuration of the Stem 50.
Today, countless boats boast roll bars on their decks, and when not provided on standard models, boaters have them installed retrofitted. Even on sailboats, roll bars are a must-have, especially on globetrotting cabin cruisers, known as “blue water” cruisers. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about nautical roll bars, including their origins, the benefits they offer, and how they can change life aboard a boat.
From cars to boat decks
The ancestor of the nautical roll cage has its roots in the adrenaline-fueled world of car racing, used to protect drivers in the event of an accident. Aboard boats, their function changes radically: the roll bar, from a bulwark against capsizing, transforms into a versatile support for a myriad of accessories and instruments.
Imagine being able to free the cockpit, the vital space of your boat, from cables, antennas, and other equipment. A roll bar makes this dream a reality. By raising these elements above the deck, it creates a more orderly, safe, and functional environment, simplifying maneuvers and improving onboard comfort. This is especially appreciated on smaller boats, where every inch counts.
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What can be installed above a roll bar? The answer is: almost anything! From navigation lights to GPS and radar antennas, from solar panels to safety equipment like life jackets and fire extinguishers, the roll bar offers a solid and strategic anchor point for everything you need on board.
The market offers a wide range of models, from fixed ones, often integrated into the boat’s original structure, to foldable ones, which can be folded away when not in use, maximizing flexibility. The choice depends on individual needs and the type of use of the boat.
In addition to its practical functions, the roll bar proves to be an excellent ally for onboard comfort. It can serve as a solid support for installing awnings, creating shaded areas to protect against the scorching sun. Thanks to this additional support, it’s also possible to sail with the awning raised even at higher speeds, without fear of the structure collapsing. Some manufacturers even offer roll bars already equipped with integrated awnings, for a complete, ready-to-use solution.
The Stem 50 also boasts a roll bar on deck
The Stem 50, a 15-meter cabin cruiser designed for high-altitude cruising built by the Italian shipyard Stem Marine, also boasts a beautiful aluminum roll bar integrated in the stern area, fully exploiting its functionality and designed down to the last detail. First of all, it consists of a fixed section and a mobile section located inside it. The latter, thanks to a system of manually operated pulleys and winches, is used for launching and hauling the tender.
A functional support for comfort and relaxation
The upper part of the Stem 50’s roll bar houses:
- The Starlink Mini system antenna, for internet connection with all wiring hidden away.
- The backup GPS and VHF antenna.
Finally, two showers (with hot and cold water) have been installed on the sides of the roll bar. As with every detail of the Stem 50, this element was expertly designed by the shipyard team to enhance the boat’s comfort and functionality.
In short, the roll bar represents a small but significant revolution in the world of boating, an accessory that combines practicality, safety, and comfort, improving the boating experience for boaters of all types. Whether you’re an experienced seafarer or an enthusiastic newcomer, a well-built roll bar can transform your boat into an oasis of functionality and relaxation.
