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Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 4:27 pm
by riverron
I know some of you builders installed handrails instead of the toerails. I like the looks of the handrails, but I have a question on cutting them out. Are the handrails a single piece of wood or did you epoxy two/multiple pieces together? i.e. the small pieces that connect to the decking.
I bought a piece of oak for the backer board and looks like I have enough wood to make both handrails out of single pieces of wood.
Also the oak is probably ok inside the cabin, but would it make good handrails? I know I will coat them in epoxy. I have also seen where you can buy them. Just wondering what would be the best method to follow?

Thanks

Re: Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 9:33 am
by Shudoman
In the latest "Good Old Boat" magazine there is an excellent article about making handrails. Their method makes 2 out of a single piece of wood. They are layed out on the wood base to base mirror image. Then you make several oval cutouts for where the hand holds go on centerline. Finally you spit this piece down the center and viola! you've got two perfect handrails. Pick up the mag. it explains it much better than I could and when you see it you'll see how easy it is.

Bill

Re: Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 6:44 pm
by JonLee
I decided to have mine follow the curve of the cabin top, so I laminated two 3/8" boards together on a form with that curve, and then cut out my rails from that curved piece. The curve is pretty slight in the area that I put the rails, and I think you could get by with straight ones (cut from a single board) with little deleterious impact to aesthetics.

Re: Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 8:40 am
by riverron
Bill and Jon, thanks for the responses.

I found a good video that I think I will follow. It looks very detail. I will have to adjust the measurements, but it is a good place to start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYJ5Of3XubI

I am still a little unclear on the wood I am going to use. Looks like they used a 2x6 piece of stock. The oak I have is only 1 inch thick, but I probably could epoxy together. I will try to post what I do use.

Thanks

Re: Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 1:13 am
by TassiePete
Hi,

I made a pair out of Tassie Oak, a local hardwood. They are not difficult to make, and using 3/4" stock they seem flexible enough to follow the shape of the cabin (with a bit of persuasion).
I guess one could make 2 pair from 3/8" or 1/2" material and glue them together with a bit a curve.

https://porthuon.com/2017/12/18/last-glass-grab-rails/

Cheers,

Peter

Re: Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 5:12 pm
by riverron
Peter,
Thanks for the pictures of the rails and comments. I plan on doing them, I just need to figure out what wood I am going to use.
I also bought me a steamer to try on the side rub rails, so I may try that on the hand rails.

Your boat is looking great!!!!

Re: Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 9:00 pm
by TassiePete
Thanks Ron,

On Saturday we turned the boat the right way up, and today I installed one of the grab-rails. Let's see what happens when I take the straps off ...

https://porthuon.com/2018/02/12/fitting-grab-rails/

Cheers.

p.s. I took the straps off and everything stayed in place. I since added a photo to the blog entry.

Re: Handrails instead of toerails?

PostPosted: Wed Feb 14, 2018 1:59 pm
by Shudoman
Those rails look very nice. Well done!