Need ideas on team handrails

[mrdeepseafisher]

As we are nearing our retrofit completion I am working on the teak handrails. I have them off the boat and have routed a 1/2" wide by 1/4" deep channel in the bottom of the rail. I have installed a LED strip the full length of the rail. I was planning on using clear epoxy to fill in the gap and smooth the bottom of the rail. My concern is that if the LEDs were to burn out I'm screwed when it comes to try fixing it. I have a test strip plugged in and burning for a year to see how the LEDs hold up.thus far all good but just trying to come up with other ideas.

You guys have any other ideas on what I could use to enclose the LED strip? The curve of the handrails makes it a challenge.

 

[Sailor John]

no ideas, but I would love to see the finished product. Sounds great!
SJ

 

[SEVEN]

Tap plastic has cleat tubes with waterproof end caps. Try it out.

 

[Top Hatt Craig]

There's weatherproof flexible LED strip or tape lights available in lengths to 16' in various levels of price and performance. I'd advise against any permanent installation with any Lighting. Check YouTube for install techniques. Link to products ... https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/flexible-strips-and-bars/

 

[bobk]

Do you want to protect the strip or or is this asthetic?

Bobk

 

[mrdeepseafisher]

Top hat Craig, I used the LEDs you mentioned. I used the 16' strips and they are simply glued in the groove using the 3M tape that is supplied on the back of the strip. It comes with a RGB controller but I used another controller that can control multiple strips so they all change together. It takes two strips down each side. I ran the wiring down thru the stantion next to the boarding ladder by the pilot house door, which is hollow.

I only want to cover the strip for aesthetic reasons as the LED strips are completely waterproof. I have some photos to post but only have my iPhone this weekend and never seem to be able to post right side up pics.

Also, sorry about the "TEAM handrails" dang iPhone!

 

[Pascal]

Despite what some vendors claim led do fail just like anything else so you can't do anything permanent. If they're water proof, I wouldn't cover them. The only time they will be visible is from a low dock or from the galley/dinette window