Repair section broken toe rail …OR… turn a bug into a feature?

[Donheist]

Had some winter damage and a piece of my aluminium toe rail has broken. Deck joint looks sound but need to replace a section of toe rail - between 8 and 12” depending on bolts.

OR could I instead get yard to cut it cleanly and finish it so no sharp edges either side of gap and install a midships cleat in the space? I could do same on non damaged side and keep the section as spare for future.

Any reason not to do this that I haven’t considered?

M

 

[Rappey]

Sounds like a good idea as finding an expensive section of no longer available toe rail may be nearly impossible.. and as for the work involved to change it....

 

[Refueler]

If near midships - then yes - I would replace with a Cleat setup ... something that is sorely needed on my 38 ...

My 25 has midship cleats and they are heaven sent when coming alongside.

 

[justanothersailboat]

Midship cleats are great whether your boat is large or comparatively small. I sawed a small section out of my (wooden) toe rail to fit them and I got a lot of use out of them, no regrets. I do not think trimming a metal toe rail yourself and neatening the ends would be too hard, if you can't easily get the yard to do it.

 

[Minerva]

Firstly, if encourage you to do a little homework; watch the sailing Florence episode where they replace the toe rail and the hassle they had.

Then after you’ve watched that, you’ll prob be making some nifty cut outs for centre cleats!

 

[Donheist]

Had some winter damage and a piece of toe rail has broken. Deck joint looks sound but need to replace a section of toe rail - between 8 and 12” depending on bolts.

OR could I instead get yard to cut it cleanly and finish it so no sharp edges either side of gap and install a midships cleat in the space? I could do same on non damaged side and keep the section as spare for future.

Any reason not to do this that I haven’t considered?

M

Firstly, if encourage you to do a little homework; watch the sailing Florence episode where they replace the toe rail and the hassle they had.

Then after you’ve watched that, you’ll prob be making some nifty cut outs for centre cleats!

Just watched that. Never seen it before. It’s part of a bigger insurance job so the yard will quote me two options - fix toe rail and install cleats. The insurance will cover the repair option and I’ll pay the extra for the cleat option. It is possible having watched that video that my preferred option will end up cheaper…