Teak toe-rail replacement

[Bruce Eilts]

Can anyone give me tips about replacing the 'toe-rail' teak that is attached to the cabin top on my Oday 34? My foot has slipped and broken that small piece of teak in several places. It is not a problem, but it looks bad now. Do the screws just back out after the bung is removed? How can the screws be replaced to ensure they are waterproof? Has anyone tried milling that artificial outdoor decking to replace the teak? I made a seat on my bow pulpit using the material and it looks pretty much like teak, but was inexpensive, easy to use and I am anticipating it will be zero to maintain. Any advice (or sites) on purchasing and replacing this teak is apprecieated. Thanks

 

[Harlan]

replacing teak toe rail

been there. No tricks involved. Drill/chisel the bungs and remove the screws. Some screws may come out clean, but you will likely have to break away some of the old teak and then grab screws with a vise grip. Clean the screw holes and fill with epoxy with thickener. Mill a new rail from teak from local handwood lumberyard. Be VERY picky about the teak you buy. Get a piece long enough so you only have one joint and very very straight grain. When you replace it I think you will find you'll have best luck not getting any leaks if you make a slight countersink to the hole in the glass and a countersink on the underside of the hole in the teak - that will form a little pocket that traps bedding compound between the glass and teak as you tighten the screw. This might be a good time to replace part of the teak with aluminum T track so you have a point for attaching a reaching sheet or spin guy. That's trickier as you have to thru bolt it for strength but is very nice to have. And you never have to varnish aluminum!