Thanx Gary, It's interesting material. I've always valued your suggestions. I would be interested in opinions regarding whether we should consider this an option on the Sage 17. It would not be difficult and could be added to the Teak and stainless options planned. Is this something that would be perceived as a "good" thing on a new pocket cruiser or not? Given a choice, with the corresponding cost differences, what would you select? Thanx. sal M15 - "Justus" - 1986 - #361 M23 - #2 - being built In a message dated 5/11/2010 11:09:52 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, GILASAILR@aol.com writes: 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 Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!