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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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companionway rails

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Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/09/2003 : 15:54:34

I'm replacing the teak rails on either side of the C25 companionway. . . the slots into which the hatchboards slide. I haven't yet removed the old ones from "Even Chance," and, because there were no screw holes or bungs on the upside of the rails, I assumed (yes, I know) there were screws from the underside, hidden by the teak boards on the cabin side of the bulkhead.

Well, when I unpacked the boards today from CD, there are no screw holes to be seen. Those of you who have removed/replaced these boards: are there screws and I'll just have to drill the boards when the time comes, or are the boards attached with 5200 or something similar?

Thanks for the help.

Brooke

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2003 : 16:45:05

The outer companionway teak rails are held in place by screws that are screwed in from the inside of the cabin. The inner teak trim boards must be removed to access the screws securing the outer companionway trim. If the teak is original, you'll probably encounter the old sealant which is like a putty type bedding compound. After removing the screws, carefully pry up on the teak pieces to remove the trim from the bulkhead.

I remember reading a tip recently that suggested using fishing line or a guitar string to slice through the old sealant that is under the outer trim pieces. I don't believe you can do that with the inner pieces, because if I remember correctly, they have a 90 degree bend in them. Be careful when removing deck hardware because you don't know if a PO used 5200 as a bedding compound and you don't want to pull off a chunk of gelcoat.

As for drilling the pilot holes into the new trim pieces, you must match the angle of the holes in the bulkhead. I would first note how the old pieces lined up on the bulkhead then remove the old trim. After cleaning up the old sealant, temporarily and carefully clamp the new pieces in place on the bulkhead. Mark the drill bit with masking tape for the correct depth of the hole so you don't drill too deep, then drill through the bulkhead into the trim piece for each hole. After drilling, remove the trim piece and mark on the underside of the piece the side it belongs on(port or starboard).

When rebedding, use a polysulfide caulk and not 5200.

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 04/09/2003 21:38:45

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Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2003 : 22:06:43

Thanks, Don. I couldn't imagine there not being screws. . . but I thought I'd ask anyhow.

Brooke

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Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 04/10/2003 : 10:02:24

Hi Brooke,

Don is right on the money with his advice. The only thing that I'll add is that once you have removed the old rails and cleaned up the area, I would clamp the rails in place with c-clamps (take along a few pieces of 1/4 inch scrap to act as a protective piece between clamp and rail). Then using a cordless drill, you can pretty easily line up and drill the necessary holes for the screws.

If I remember rightly, the screws are tapered wood screws. It will be best if you use tapered drill bits as well so that all of the screw's threads make good contact with the rail.

After you have drilled the holes, then apply a bedding compound like BoatLife calk - not 5200. 5200 should only be used if there is no chance that anyone will ever want to remove the piece in the future. Imagine the problems that might be passed to a future owner if he wants to replace those rails you're installing.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

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Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 04/10/2003 : 14:16:47

Thanks, as always, Bill. First I need to put those 7 coats of varnish on, and wait for the monsoons to stop. (For those of you who want to tell me about the glories of Cetol, I know, I know. I'm doing the harder and, IMHO, prettier thing.)

As for the next owner. . . I'm planning a Viking funeral. They'll stretch me out on the deck, set the sails and the autohelm, and light the fire. I'm hoping they wait until I die first.

But I'll use the other caulk anyhow.

Brooke

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 04/10/2003 : 16:37:00

Hey Brooke,

I like the Idea of a Viking funeral. Just make sure that you have your sword in your hand.

I'm with you on the varnish thing. I'm completely refinishing my teak and am currently using Bristol Finish. I have two coats on so far and it looks really beautiful. You can see the grain of the wood and the amber color darkened the teak slightly.

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.