[Rhodes22-list] Rails

[mputnam1 at aol.com]

I apologize if this subject has been beaten to death over the years on this list, but I'm new and when I click on the download button for the archives, I get an error message.  I've read the material in the FAQ, but I was wondering if there are any more opinions on this subject ...
 
So ... here is my question:
 
As I mentioned in my first email, my wife and I are in the process of working with Stan toward purchasing a recycled Rhodes.  One of the big questions for us is whether or not to get the safety rails.  I know Stan is not real big on the rails (and he's already talked me out of the safety lines that appear to be a great way to launch yourself off the boat), but we have two very young precocious boys (1 and 3) ... and when I start bringing them on the boat, I have to admit that I'm a little nervous (and my wife is a lot nervous) about their safety.  I intend to keep them in the cockpit and cabin as best I can, but you never know.
 
Stan says he knows of no children that have fallen off a Rhodes, but he says if it's a concern, he recommends tying a line to the mast and clipping it onto their life jacket.  Do all of you who've sailed with young children think that is adequate or workable?  Do you think the rails make a big difference with small children?  I'm not sure I want to tie a leash on my kids, but maybe that's the best course ...
 
Also, looking at the closeup photos of boats with rails in Stan's materials, they look a little gawky ... but I haven't seen a boat with rails from a distance -- do the rails detract from the boat's appearance?
 
And finally, when you're out in rough water and you need to go forward to, let's say, fix the jib ... do the rails make it appreciably safer to maneuver about the boat?  I am a novice sailor, so I have to confess that I am not certain how sure-footed I will be under those circumstances.
 
I'd hate to do overkill, though, and get rails if I'm going to hate the way they make the boat look ... and if they're really not going to do much for my kids' safety anyway.
 
Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this,
 
-Mark