I own and paddle a 17' woody. It was gifted to me by a friend who had rigged it properly with full perimeter deck lines. I didn't like "the look" of those black cords against the brightwork and so removed the stern lines.

Two months later there I was in 3 foot seas in the Sea of Cortez trying to hold onto the stern to perform a T-over-T. I was forced to grab the rudder assembly, received a couple of unpleasant abrasions and wire cuts, and vowed to get those stern lines back on ASAP. Fortunately, my partner and I were just out for practice in lightly loaded boats. Cheap lesson!

Thanks Adam!