Bending new hand rails

[Debra B]

I am still undecided about making versus buying, but several people are telling me that making new hand rails is not difficult, so I may go that route.But make or buy, what about bending them to fit the curve? Teak being as expensive as it is, I don't want to crack it. Is this something I need to worry about? I have a 37 C so there isn't a lot of bend, but the rails I looked at in WM didn't seem to bendable.

 

[Charles]

Stainless Steel??

Removed both my grab rails a couple of years ago to refinish and repair leaks. The rails, when removed sprang to a flat shape. Thats after being on the boat for twenty one years. My rails were thirteen feet long, I've seen some that were two shorter sections but the radius of the bend is very slight. My rails really make the boat standout but if I had to do it again I would put stainless steel. If you need to replace both grab rails it will be cheaper also. Charles

 

[Dale E. Baker]

Bending teak.

I was just reading an article in this months Good Ol' Boat about a boat being redone, including interior and exterior hand rails. Grab a copy, it's available at Wests, and Borders amongst others. The article begins on page 32 and primarily deals with interior restoration.Basically, mount one end, bend the rail until the next hole lines up,secure it, and keep moving on. Unless the wood is old and dry, it will bend, just like a tree in the wind.