quarter rail/fender repairs

[Salty Dame]

Mine were replaced with Ironbark and I've never been able to keep a finish on them.

[jim rosenthal]

Change of plan. Rail on stbd side is rotten and wet. Now about 1/3 removed, if rain lets up I will do more this week. Mulling over what to replace it with.

[34Hatt]

I had a pair made to replace on a 34. had them made out of PVC board. It paints well and is never going to rot. they bedded in nicely and then polished the old stainless to finish them off.



As for hauling damage I do not know of any hatt where the rear rails should be in the slings but forward spray rails and lifting rails need to be blocked before hauling.

I am wondering if thats how mine were done?
Never thought about asking back then and that was 15 years ago next month but most likely made from a piece a good table saw and off you go!

[jim rosenthal]

I am looking at preformed fiberglass structurals from Strongwell- if they can make up a piece to the right dimensions, we could epoxy it on and then finish it to suit. I have to go take a few measurements and call their local dealer back. Might be the way to go as it would bond better than PVC and take primer and paint better as well.

[Angela]

Mine are rotten too. We are contemplating taking them off, using the best one for a mold, wrapping it in a mold release on it, and glassing it over. Then we can thicken it, finish them, etc. I'll be following what you do, Jim, because I need to do this too.

[34Hatt]

I am looking at preformed fiberglass structurals from Strongwell- if they can make up a piece to the right dimensions, we could epoxy it on and then finish it to suit. I have to go take a few measurements and call their local dealer back. Might be the way to go as it would bond better than PVC and take primer and paint better as well.

The PVC can be glued and hold paint very well

But mine are only over 18 years old so lets not go by that

[Vincentc]

While there is something to be said for "making it better than Hatteras made it", you might also consider how long the originals mahogany rails lasted. Another 30-40 years might be enough for you.

I used sapele (an "African mahogany") to build Lilly Marie's new swim platform. It was an easy wood to work with, priced reasonably, and has held up well in an similar environment to spray rails.

[Boatsb]

The PVC can be glued and hold paint very well

But mine are only over 18 years old so lets not go by that

But how will they look in another 18 years? Will your eye sight be good enough to tell?

Will you even care at your age?

[bobk]

Mine are rotten too. We are contemplating taking them off, using the best one for a mold, wrapping it in a mold release on it, and glassing it over. Then we can thicken it, finish them, etc. I'll be following what you do, Jim, because I need to do this too.

Ang, I think the cross sections of the ones I bought from SAMS were not symmetrical, so making two from one design (side) may not look right, and if they do add to lift, it may cause a list.

Bobk

[jim rosenthal]

Probably not. I'll be lucky to be around in twenty years, let alone boating. I hope I am still in the game.

Waiting for some estimated costs. We will definitely have to replace the stbd rail. It's possible the port one can wait until winter, but I am not certain on that. I'll post information as I go, maybe even photos.