1 1/4" Rail Clamps, anyone?

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John Alexander

Sounds silly, but I've been searching for 1 1/4" rail clamps (to mount a teak drink rack) since early this season. BoatUS, West Marine, etc... all seem to have 7/8" or 1". They all ask me if my boat is a European boat. I say it is a French design, but made in South Carolina. Does anyone know a good source (preferably online) to get 1 1/4" rail clamps? thanks in advance. Please send email to john@johnmary.com See our boat at: http://www.johnmary.com/johnmary/boat/Flibber.html
 
Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Unable to Find Any

Just writing to confirm what you found out - doesn't seem to be any around for your purpose. Did find some 1-1/4 for Edson instrument pod mounts and one for mounting Dickson stoves.
 
Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Do-It-Yourself Rail Clamps

What has worked well for me are some home made rail clamps. I took an oak strip, nominally 1" x 2", surfaced to 3/4" x about 1-1/2", and cut a couple pieces the same length, about 2-1/2 inches or longer depending on what is to be attached. Clamp the two pieces together with a spacer inbetween and drill an appropriately sized hole, 1-1/4", through the two halves and the spacer. Next step is to drill a couple holes for, say, 1/4" machine screws on each end. With machine screws, washers, and Nylac nuts, bolt the two pieces to the stanchon. I used oak but other wood would do. The length of the pieces would vary according to what is to be attached. In my case I've used the system to attach a wind generator mast, solar pannels, and a radar mast and they've held up for over 10 years. Lessons learned: Unfinished oak turns 'black' over time. May not be as neat as stainless or manufactured plastic but it can be a lot cheaper.
 
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