Teak Grabrails

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

I am getting ready to start one of those "snowball" projects....the ones that you begin one thing and while you're at it you might as well do this too!! I'm installing a dorade guard and while the ceiling panels are out I'm thinking of replacing the old teak grabrails that have seen thirty years of sanding and wear. The trouble is do I replace it with teak or stainless? The stainless would be nice for maintenance, but makes the boat look too modern. The teak is a demanding chore but keeps the traditional look. My rails are in one piece and are 102" in length, so where can I buy these things or will I have to make them myself? Any suggestions? Very Happy

Down2TheC · **Posted:** 01 Mar 2007 15:10

So remove/refurbish isn't an option? With them out you should be able to sand to bare. Not sure how one would go about replacing them.

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

The trouble is that they are getting a bit on the thin side because of years of sanding and wear. I would worry about the ultimate strength of them. It's getting so worn that the wood bungs are almost sanded thru, exposing the bolt heads.......Time for some new ones. I can make them, but if there was a source that was reasonable for the length, then I won't waste my time. Confused

t37-panacea · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2006 17:26 **Posts:** 76

Try this link http://cruisingresources.com/Lifelines%2C_Grab_Rails%2C_and_Safety_Bars__p2 Lots of good information. I think TopsnQuality made the grab SS rails for Kimberlite http://www.topsinquality.com/power/grabhand.htm They may still have the dimensions. And possibly Thai Teak Marine http://www.thaiteakmarine.com/catalog/page1.htm .

Mark

t37-panacea · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2006 17:26 **Posts:** 76

Try this link http://cruisingresources.com/Lifelines%2C_Grab_Rails%2C_and_Safety_Bars__p2 Lots of good information. I think TopsnQuality made the grab SS rails for Kimberlite http://www.topsinquality.com/power/grabhand.htm They may still have the dimensions. And possibly Thai Teak Marine http://www.thaiteakmarine.com/catalog/page1.htm .

Mark

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

Thanks Panacea, I forgot all about the Cruising Resource website, great source for info. The Thaiteak website has great pricing, but the thickness is off. Our T-37 has handrails that are 1 3/8" at the base and tapers to 7/8" at the top, Not that it would matter that much, but the difference would expose fresh gell coat that may be apparent.

Jay · **Joined:** 22 Oct 2006 19:25 **Posts:** 61

You do need to measure the rails accurately. I purchased two 4 loop AFI teak handrails from Defender on sale for $9 each only to belatedly discover that the handrail length and spacing between the loops did not match those on the T37. I suspect you'll have to have the rails special made, unless you can determine the OEM supplier to Tartan, and unless the supplier is still in existance and still makes the rails. Jay, 1979 T37, #254, 'Fabiana'

Tartan37.com

Teak Grabrails

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