Teak toe rail cap Beneteau 473

fourgeau · 11-12-2007, 17:43

I am new to this forum but have found a wealth of information over the years as a snooping guest. I have recently bought a Beneteau 473. She has 2 cracks on the teak cap under the cleats. While I was shopping for my boat I came accross several 473 which had the same problem.I am currently in France and inspected at least a dozen 473 and none of them has this problem. I seems that the US production had a problem. In all likelyhood the hole to insert the cleats bolts have been drilled too smal and do not allow any play. Has anybody encountered the same problem and how did you resolve it?

geordieschmalz · 11-12-2007, 18:07

Not familiar with your boat, but I have seen this before on other boats (no names!), and the consensus was holes were too small, not allowing for expansion of the wood. Also, was the toerail natural (weathered) or varnished? What direction is the grain running? This can also contribute to the problem.

fourgeau · 11-12-2007, 18:41

Thanks the teak is weathered. I am thinking of covering the cracks with a SS plate shaped to the cap

geordieschmalz · 11-12-2007, 19:26

Yeah, the unprotected teak can expand more, not sure if the European boats are varnished. Your fix sounds good, but you might consider using a teak oil first, it stabilizes the wood and may prevent the cracks from spreading/reoccuring. Good luck!

11-12-2007, 17:43	#1
fourgeau Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ft Myers Boat: Beneteau 473 Posts: 7	Teak toe rail cap Beneteau 473 I am new to this forum but have found a wealth of information over the years as a snooping guest. I have recently bought a Beneteau 473. She has 2 cracks on the teak cap under the cleats. While I was shopping for my boat I came accross several 473 which had the same problem.I am currently in France and inspected at least a dozen 473 and none of them has this problem. I seems that the US production had a problem. In all likelyhood the hole to insert the cleats bolts have been drilled too smal and do not allow any play. Has anybody encountered the same problem and how did you resolve it?

11-12-2007, 18:07	#2
geordieschmalz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Newport OR Boat: Columbia 34 Mk II - Matsu Posts: 27	I think you are right Not familiar with your boat, but I have seen this before on other boats (no names!), and the consensus was holes were too small, not allowing for expansion of the wood. Also, was the toerail natural (weathered) or varnished? What direction is the grain running? This can also contribute to the problem.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Caulking the inside cap rail	MV	Construction, Maintenance & Refit	7	14-09-2007 00:07
Slotted Aluminum Toe Rail	SilentOption	Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting	5	06-10-2006 16:13
Toe rail/T-track search	delmarrey	Construction, Maintenance & Refit	5	03-07-2003 03:26

11-12-2007, 18:41	#3
fourgeau Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ft Myers Boat: Beneteau 473 Posts: 7	Thanks the teak is weathered. I am thinking of covering the cracks with a SS plate shaped to the cap

11-12-2007, 19:26	#4
geordieschmalz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Newport OR Boat: Columbia 34 Mk II - Matsu Posts: 27	Yeah, the unprotected teak can expand more, not sure if the European boats are varnished. Your fix sounds good, but you might consider using a teak oil first, it stabilizes the wood and may prevent the cracks from spreading/reoccuring. Good luck!