time to replace the old 1981' bowrail - where to get the SS version ?

[hockeyfool]

Think my old aluminum rail has very  questionable integrity; is when we had an at dock mishap, the fittings holding the stanchions ripped like foil, and also have a deck plate ripped
apart on a bow stanchion, no backing plates, sheeze - that is some crappy and unsubstantial hardware on a crucial area.
   any idea where best to buy, where scraped/parted out sellers, or how much a stainless steel version bow rail  costs ?

[Bob23]

Hock:
   I'd try the factory first. They are a pleasure to deal with.
Bob23

[hockeyfool]

Thanks,
  I'll do, but I wonder if the hole pattern is the same on the SS version, do they have easy to replace "drop-in" bow pulpit replacement ?

[Koinonia]

I second the comment on checking with the factory first.  When Koinonias pulpit grabbed a power line and ripped the front two legs out of the sprit I was surprised when the cost from the factory for both was under a grand.  Keep in mind my Koinonia is a 27 and has a much larger pulpit than your 16.  I also asked about the holes for the rear two feet when I made my order and they told me the bow rails are fabricated on a jig so more than likely a new one would fit pretty well.  If you ever have questions when ordering something from the factory they are full of great information.

[DougN]

I've added a bowsprit to my '83 and am in the process of making new ss ones.I'm also replacing the stern rail and stantions.I think the're the same as yours so if your interested your welcome to them.There's some slight damage to one of the bow rail bases but just minor.I'm up in AuGres so it would be doable for you.Like I said your welcome to them or we could swap them for your blue-line tickets for game seven in Chicago .....Doug

[hockeyfool]

Wow, love the offer, did you say the bow rail you have is stainless ?  if so yes please !
   I live in ypslanti MI between ann arbor and another hockey town .... I have pay pal and could forward shipping cost if its distance makes better option
than for me to drive. can call me also 734-276-4349

[DougN]

Mike,I posted a couple of pictures on Photobucket of the bow rails.I tried to post them here but no luck(I really thought I had it right this time).I drilled out the rivets and removed the forward starboard station base,I wanted to see how it would polish up after 30 years outside,I used Mothers billet aluminum polish and a power-ball in a drill motor.It looks like chrome,almost a mirror finish.I put new 3/16 rivets and it tightened right up.Most boaters up here are weekenders from down-state,one guy lives in Holly and comes up Thursday night and goes back on Saturday evening.He's a fellow sailor(tricked-out Hunter 25)and a real good guy,so I think he would bring them down to Holly for you.Holly is only 50 some miles from Yipsi.Check out the photos and if you want I,ll ask him for you and get you back on the water(Ford Lake?)......Doug

[DougN]

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l594/CPYOA/BowRail002.jpg?t=1369860689     Don't know why the picture didn't post here,thought I had it down.Being of the analog persuasion I have to remind myself to"seek progress not perfection"

[hockeyfool]

Mike,I posted a couple of pictures on Photobucket of the bow rails.I tried to post them here but no luck(I really thought I had it right this time).I drilled out the rivets and removed the forward starboard station base,I wanted to see how it would polish up after 30 years outside,I used Mothers billet aluminum polish and a power-ball in a drill motor.It looks like chrome,almost a mirror finish.I put new 3/16 rivets and it tightened right up.Most boaters up here are weekenders from down-state,one guy lives in Holly and comes up Thursday night and goes back on Saturday evening.He's a fellow sailor(tricked-out Hunter 25)and a real good guy,so I think he would bring them down to Holly for you.Holly is only 50 some miles from Yipsi.Check out the photos and if you want I,ll ask him for you and get you back on the water(Ford Lake?)......Doug

Doug -- way more than I hoped for, you are a generous guy , much thanks !!!! Oh, also just notice , YOU HAVE A RED HULL ? !!! Wow - nice , how did that happen ?

[DougN]

Took that picture last fall just before the weather caught me.I used easypoxy by Pettit using the roll and tip method.I believe it was Wes who cautioned against this when he painted Bella(hope I got the names right),he was right-on with his advice.I rolled and tipped 3 coats and wasn't happy with the results.Between the 2nd and 3rd coats I sectioned off twelve areas and tried twelve different methods,different brushes,rollers,techniques,picked one and did the 3rd coat.No luck maybe it's the OCD but I wasn't happy with the results.Finally I flattened the paint and sprayed 2 more coats,color sanded and wheeled literally for days to bring back the gloss.Next time I'll use perfection just like Wes tried to tell us

[ahmch]

When You are in photobucket, and are on the page with your pic, click on the part that says  Links to share this photo. Click where it says....... URL = http etc etc....


it will turn yellow and say "copied" . only for a moment.

Return to your post reply page and simply "Paste".. nothing else.. the URL address will be there and thats all you need.  no icons from menu or anything . just copy from photobucket and past into reply page.

Hope this helps.    It took me a long while to figure it out. was making it too complicated.

[DougN]

ahmch....Thanks that should simplify things in the future.Bow-rail up-date:a fellow sailor took them with him yesterday on his trip back down-state,that puts them about 50 miles from Hockeyfool.On a side note,just as he was leaving he received a call from Hospice,his Mother had taken a turn and only had 24 to 48 hours.He still insisted on doing this favor for us.This to me speaks volumes about the generosity of the sailing community in general.He's in the thoughts and prayers of mine and my family,no matter how old we get your Mom is always your Mom......Doug

[hockeyfool]

 Yes  he is a good man ; I didn't know about his family situation, as he didn't even mention it. I second the motion for acknowledging the
decency/altruism/integrity of that sailor and many others like him.
  He would'nt even accept a small token of appreciation -$20- I offered for transporting the bowrail and meeting a stranger at his home.
   I will " pass it forward " !!