Replacing Lifelines with Solid Rails - Page 2

MikeinLA · 06-11-2009, 14:22

I'm looking into doing this, but just in the cockpit up to the gates. More secure and more places to mount things like BBQs, Lifesling, etc. I think Caliber is now doing their cockpits this way.

Mike

grunzster · 06-11-2009, 14:40

So any ideas on where to get materials? The welder is striking out. I'm striking out. Even have dad looking...and striking out.

No one seems to have tube steel. I found one source online, but the guy doing the job thought it was a little too light weight, only 16 gauge. He said we ideally want 11 gauge.

barnakiel · 06-11-2009, 15:44

Depends on the boat, probably an OK on a big boat but on a small one the weight up might be a consideration.

b.

SkiprJohn · 06-11-2009, 15:47

Alco Iron and Metal Company, San Leandro, CA. They'll have anything you want, cut it to length and ship it.
They charge by the pound for the material.
regards

forsailbyowner · 06-11-2009, 16:29

I use .065 wall 1" stainless for making bimini frames. I am considering the same project. Am thinking I would have to tighten up centers of stanchions. With the cable they're typically 6' apart. The hard rails I see are 40" or so on center. If you check out miamicorp.com or manarthirsch.com they both have tubing up to 1.25" in 305 and 316. I've been looking for a reasonable price for "T" fittings. I pay about $3 for stainless bimini fittings but none of my suppliers carry the rail fittings.
The rail fittings would negate the need for onsite welding and the associated fees.

grunzster · 06-11-2009, 19:16

We're going to use 1". Going to try to do it with a single piece on each side of the boat. And with the tops of the stanchions sticking up into the rail a little bit.

06-11-2009, 14:40	#17
grunzster Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Highlands, NJ Boat: Gemini 105M, Grouchy Turtle Posts: 257	So any ideas on where to get materials? The welder is striking out. I'm striking out. Even have dad looking...and striking out. No one seems to have tube steel. I found one source online, but the guy doing the job thought it was a little too light weight, only 16 gauge. He said we ideally want 11 gauge. __________________ My amp goes to 11. That's 1 louder.

06-11-2009, 15:47	#19
SkiprJohn Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kea'au, Big Island, Hawaii Boat: Cascade, Cutter, 42 - "Casual" Posts: 5,191	Alco Iron and Metal Company, San Leandro, CA. They'll have anything you want, cut it to length and ship it. They charge by the pound for the material. regards __________________ JohnL Click to Search Cruisers Forum Archives, Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere, Vigor, http://www.atomvoyages.com/articles/boatlist.htm, http://www.mahina.com/boats.html

06-11-2009, 19:16	#21
grunzster Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Highlands, NJ Boat: Gemini 105M, Grouchy Turtle Posts: 257	We're going to use 1". Going to try to do it with a single piece on each side of the boat. And with the tops of the stanchions sticking up into the rail a little bit. __________________ My amp goes to 11. That's 1 louder.

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06-11-2009, 14:22	#16
MikeinLA Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Boat: Deja Vu - Catalina 36 MK I Posts: 42	I'm looking into doing this, but just in the cockpit up to the gates. More secure and more places to mount things like BBQs, Lifesling, etc. I think Caliber is now doing their cockpits this way. Mike

06-11-2009, 15:44	#18
barnakiel Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea Boat: a sailing boat Posts: 919	Depends on the boat, probably an OK on a big boat but on a small one the weight up might be a consideration. b.

06-11-2009, 16:29	#20
forsailbyowner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tampa to New York Boat: Morgan 33 OutIsland, Magic Posts: 445	I use .065 wall 1" stainless for making bimini frames. I am considering the same project. Am thinking I would have to tighten up centers of stanchions. With the cable they're typically 6' apart. The hard rails I see are 40" or so on center. If you check out miamicorp.com or manarthirsch.com they both have tubing up to 1.25" in 305 and 316. I've been looking for a reasonable price for "T" fittings. I pay about $3 for stainless bimini fittings but none of my suppliers carry the rail fittings. The rail fittings would negate the need for onsite welding and the associated fees.