Is this a worthwhile idea?

coopec

coopec

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I recently spent three days restoring the teak trim on the deck of my yacht. (I am now using Sikkens Cetol so I hope that will last longer)

While working on the yacht I thought about getting some suitable diameter plastic tube, slitting one side and the "clipping" that over the gunwale trim to protect it from the weather when it is at it's mooring. (I could make up some f/g covers for the handholds)

Any thoughts?

View attachment 47635
 
Mate of mine used to do that to protect the gunwhales/strakes of a dinghy, so the cover was not against them.
Seemed to help with keeping frost off and not having water trapped against the wood.
 
lw395

Where I am we shouldn't get any frost but we will get very little rain between now and (say) April next year. There will be a lot of very hot days of 100F+ which takes it's toll on paint and varnished timber
 
I was sent a sample of a product designed for exactly this purpose... self adhesive white plastic on a roll, about 100mm wide.
The adhesive is tacky rather than super-strong allowing the stuff to be peeled off when the boat goes back into commission. Primarily anti-UV.
I am surprised its not available in Oz.
I didn't buy any as I decided my teak would be better weathered grey.
 
Gordonmc said:
I was sent a sample of a product designed for exactly this purpose... self adhesive white plastic on a roll, about 100mm wide.
The adhesive is tacky rather than super-strong allowing the stuff to be peeled off when the boat goes back into commission. Primarily anti-UV.
I am surprised its not available in Oz.
I didn't buy any as I decided my teak would be better weathered grey.
Click to expand...

Google "Low Tack Tape"
 
I keep a couple of short lengths of hose ready to put over the toe-rail when in harbour, especially if it is wet and we are rafted. i wouldn't want to keep the hose permanently in place because water will get under it and either spoil the finish or make it go manky.
 
First thought was OMG.....and then I realised it was my second one as well!

Then maybe that's just me who hasn't any OCD traits.
 
Pladdatoo said:
First thought was OMG.....and then I realised it was my second one as well!

Then maybe that's just me who hasn't any OCD traits.
Click to expand...

Yacht owners and especially their guests can be perverse when it comes to choice of footwear on board. Putting something over a toerail is actually quite common, as is setting out a mat, though I have seldom done this. Trainers with a chunky sole pattern can leave conspicuous marks when on the feet of a teenager and I care more for my boat than for their pride.
 
coopec said:
lw395

Where I am we shouldn't get any frost but we will get very little rain between now and (say) April next year. There will be a lot of very hot days of 100F+ which takes it's toll on paint and varnished timber
Click to expand...

I guess a cover is out of the question?
Any thing to keep the UV off is good.
Round here we also have a battle to keep the deck clean, city/dockyard grime and bird poo.
 
lw395

Thanks for your advice.

I don't have a teak deck, just trim around the gunwales as well as teak handholds. It is a 43ft yacht so a cover is out of the question.

I have googled " low tack tape" but I question whether that can be used repeatedly over a number of years.

After reading what you say I will go ahead with the idea. ( I'll find something!)

Just realized: If you look at the photo you can see where I have some clear plastic tube under the ladder to protect the gunwale. (the protected timber looks brand new)
 
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I'm sure that whilst you're fitting out a slit tube will preserve the finished trim, but I'm a little concerned on its use once afloat When transferring to and from the boat, the toerail becomes a trip hazard and may cause you to slip (very painful when halfway over the guardrail). I guess a short section could be seperately removable to allow access. Likewise, during the fit out, please remember that grabbing the toe rail from the ladder may end up with you flying through the air grasping a length of hose!

Rob.
 
Rob

Thanks for your good advice.

I would only use the protective gear when at permanent mooring or boat pen. Access to the yacht from a dinghy would be via transom steps or from the jetty via gangway plank.

Cheers
 
PuffTheMagicDragon said:
Where will you store the tubing when you're away from the mooring and out sailing?
Click to expand...

Excellent question and one that I have thought about too.

The marina has a secure area where I could place it (I'm sure they would charge). Also I live within a 1/2 mile of the marina so transporting it would not be a problem.
 
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