Replacing the teak Toe Rail

[brianbeyyonug]

Has anyone personally done the job of replacing the teak toe rail (and other assorted pieces in and around the cockpit - handrails already Stainless Steel) with the available PVC? Looks like the removal will be a bitch, is it?

 

Thanks!

[JurassicJ]

Brian,

 

Unfortunately, yes...I have. And yes....they are tough to get off if still on as factory install. They are bedded with 3M 5200 Adhesive. Basically two ways to get them off; 1 - Take out screws and pound them off with a hammer, then cut the rest off with a razor knife, or 2 - Take out screws and cut the 5200 with a razor knife while wedging the rail from underneath. If the teak is old and worn, just use the pound off method. Do not use the 5200 removal stuff, the hull deck joint is under the teak and is bedded with 5200 as well...don't want to create more leaks. The PVC replacement gives you the new boat look, is cheaper than the teak and screws from within the cockpit. I went back with Teak as I wanted the boat to look closer to original. While your there, clean up the hull/deck screw heads and give them a light turn on the interior nuts...many of mine were very loose. Don't overtighten....no crunching fiberglass sounds.

All the Best,

[twajetgod]

where can i get the pvc teak replacements?

[JurassicJ]

Bought mine thru US Watercraft, ask for Mike in parts or go on-line and order.

[vicMoMoney]

As to teak removal. I have not used this technique. One method that was described to me is take a Sawzall with metal blade and cut the the teak complete with fasteners down the length. The fasteners are then punched down and the remaining teak rail is removed. It sounds like a brutal tactic, but it also sounds very efficient. FWIW. vic