I suspected as much on your motivation for a low maintenance option. The desert sun and heat would do a number on a varnish job in short order. I was just curious how they would be fastened. A long stainless machine screw with the head exposed and countersunk below the surface would be strong enough and would look fine. I suppose a dab of sealant under the screw head would seal it? I also recall that once upon a time there was a stainless rail option being offered. But in that heat, I'd rather grab white plastic than metal. On the desert heat, I've also heard that is a great place to take a boat that has a "pox" problem to dry it out. Park it in the sun for a summer and open up the blisters and most of the moisture will dry up. On May 12, 2010, at 10:39 AM, GILASAILR@aol.com wrote:
Mr Haudsley,
The plastic rails can be mounted the same way the original ones were. I have commonly seen the rails mounted with machine screws thru-bolted at the ends and a wood screw at the intermediate bases alternating with machine screws every other loop. Handrails should never be installed with wood screws from the bottom up - as they would not be secure and up to the task.
Yes, it is true - plastic will not look as good as teak with ten coats of varnish - but some of us live in areas that are not 'wood friendly' - I have a bright finished strip canoe - it lives indoors- that is okay for varnish here in AZ. My 17 does not stay indoors, and even under cover, the heat, lack of humidity and sun chews up wood and finishes.
I am going for plastic -for my location and 'lifestyle' it looks like a good alternative. If you have seen my boat it would be apparent I am not concerned with the "looks" part of wood trim - not getting paid to maintain my own wood trim - rather sail! I have replaced my railwood and hatch slides with Starboard HDPE and these would match. Price is right too. (just got my wholesale pricing from H&L Marine Woodwork - YEOOW on the price of teak!)
Hey- it's case of 'different strokes for different folks' LOL
GO PS -the teak out here turns silver and the heartwood vaporizes!
In a message dated 5/12/2010 5:56:45 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, haudsley@tranquility.net writes:
How are those installed? Machine screw or wood screw from below?
The teak rails on the M17 were installed with machine screws......from the top down. Head was countersunk from above and covered with a teak plug. Inside, a flat washer and nut. That is not going to pull off without breaking the handrail or taking a chunk of cabin with it.
Can these be mounted as strong? No complaint on the maintenance.......they won't look as good as 10 coats of varnish on teak, but unless maintained, two years later those don't look so hot either. Nor does green, mouldy teak.
On May 12, 2010, at 12:09 AM, GILASAILR@aol.com wrote:
I know it is commercial but these are exactly what some of us 'tree huggin low maint.' types are looking for!!GO
(http://www.catalinadirect.com/) Dear Gary,
For years we've asked our vendors to produce low maintenance handrails that are a match to Catalina's original teak. Until now, no amount of coaxing, cajoling, or begging got results. Guess what? The current economic conditions have convinced our vendors they should get off their duff and try something new! Teak handrails are the most labor intensive part on your boat to maintain. If you'd like to spend more time sailing and less time on maintenance, install a set of our new StarBoard handrails. We now have a selection of the most popular sizes in stock. They are manufactured from high quality StarBoard Marine Plastic. It is a UV stabilized high density polyethylene, so it won't degrade in the sun. This is the same product Catalina Yachts uses on all of their new boats in place of teak. Just swab them clean as you scrub down your deck and you're done! Features: * Zero maintenance for more sailing and less work * They are highly UV resistant. They wont fade, discolor, or deteriorate. * Made from beefy 1" stock. * Same footprint as the original teak handrails for ease of installation. * Same shape and look as your original teak handrails for original equipment look. * Color matched to other plastic replacement parts supplied by Catalina Direct. * Longer life and far less maintenance for the same price as teak.
Available in five popular sizes: * Single loop - 13" long * Four loop - 43" long * Five loop - 53" long * Seven loop - 73" long Click on the appropriate photo. You'll be taken to the appropriate page of our web site for more detailed information.
Fair Winds!
(http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1924) _Single loop _ (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1924) (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1925) _Four loop handrail _ (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1925) (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1955) _Five loop handrail_ (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1955)
(http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1925) (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1927) _Seven loop _ (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1927) _handrail_ (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1927) _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
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