Teak toe rail cap Beneteau 473

[fourgeau]

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]

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]

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

[geordieschmalz]

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!