Bow rails

TBonedad · Post by **TBonedad** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:35 pm

My bow rail stanchions are showing signs of age... Rust stains, some loosening, one's cracked, etc. I have re-bedded one, the back of which I was able to access via the locker on starboard side of the v-birth. It was tight enough access, but I have no idea how to come at the majority of the screws and backing plates. It looks like I will need to pull out the shag carpet (need to do this anyway) and perhaps remove some sort of hull liner? I'm toying with the idea of replacing the rails entirely (cost will help with this decision) with larger diameter (aluminum or stainless?). I have seen a 35 with rails removed but like them there for the margin of safety they provide. Any advice or experience out there? Thanks

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:33 am

I've got a few that use the same kind of TLC, but access has always scared me off too. My V-Birth has small lockers above with sliding mirrors that open & close the compartment. I've stuck my hand up thru the locker a few times and have felt the other side of the screws. But just doing that made me realize it wasn't going to be an easy job. So I think I'll have to take down those lockers first. Once that's done, the job should go pretty quick. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 6:54 am

Wonder what the boat looks like with no rails. I've seen a 28 redone without them , and it looked pretty good. But if you are concerned with the safety aspect, it isn't a option. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC

TBonedad · Post by **TBonedad** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:48 am

I don't have lockers, but there's what I suppose is a liner which hides the screws completely. I haven't yet found how the liner is removed. I would hate to think it has to be cut out. I will everyone know what I uncover. Meanwhile, anyone who has done this before, please feel free to offer guidance.

khybskid · Post by **khybskid** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:00 pm

Well just let me say that my boat is a 35 and i had the same problem. I replaced all but the aft bases . The new taco bases didnt align with the old holes so i had to make plastic plates the anchor down the make new holes for the new bases to fit. I couldnt find anything that would replace the originals. Its been 3 years now and i havent had any trouble. Ya its not a simple job but its not too complicated either. A real time consumer during fishing season though.Pete

TBonedad · Post by **TBonedad** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:05 am

Thanks for the info, Pete. When you removed the old bases, were they screwed down or through-bolted? (I assume through-bolted, but if they're simply screwed into the core around the rail then the job of removal just got easier.) Thanks again for the info.

khybskid · Post by **khybskid** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 3:14 pm

I,m sorry that i have to tell you this but ALL the bases were bolted with a nut on the inside up against an aluminum reinforcement plate. Some of my bolts were so corroded that they snapped off,which made it easier in a way to get off. I had to pull back the v berth rug, pull down the panels around the shower,closets,over the sink in the head,inside the anchor locker. Not a fun job BUT when you love your boat you just do these thing. Kind of like a honey do list. Pete

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:54 pm

Pete, You shouldn't be sorry to tell anyone that. That's how boats are supposed to be made. If they were just screwed in or didn't have a backing plate I'd have very disappointed in Bertram. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

TBonedad · Post by **TBonedad** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:40 pm

I agree with you, Doug, but I had hoped the job would be simple. I'm happier to know that it was done right initially than that the job will be easier.