1972 E27-Fixing Everything

[CajunSpike]

So going back to the boat and making a cardboard template of the bolt holes would be good idea then......?
Since the center posts are intact, would just need a template from center post to side post.

[ndutton]

So going back to the boat and making a cardboard template of the bolt holes would be good idea then......?

I think so. The quality of the finished product depends on the quality of the pattern.

[JOHN COOKSON]

The machine shop I use has been open for ages and is owned by an old time guy. He knows lots of tricks.
I love to hear all ya'll thoughts and experiences on stuff like this, in any case.

My first boat was a Columbia 24. It didn't have a stern rail. I asked the local metal fabricator to come to the boat and give me an estimate for a stern rail. He showed up with tape measure, pencil, and pad of paper, made a few rough measurements recorded them (this was before the day that phones took pictures) and gave me an estimate.
Two or three weeks later he asked me to meet him at the boat - the rail was ready.
The rail fit perfectly. I couldn't believe it. From rough measurements to perfect rail.
He told me how he did it. He cut and bent the steel and did minimal welding then he and another fella brought the rail down to the boat and did the final bends then took it back to the shop and finished the welding. A true custom rail.
I'll bet your guy knows a few tricks like this. Maybe he can use the boat itself as a template.

TRUE GRIT

[CajunSpike]

Went back to the marina today(22 miles) and took some cardboard with me.
Cut out a pattern that was close, then aligned it to the mounting points on the deck.
Punched holes in the cardboard that matched the holes in the deck.
Boat without rails. Kinda like it. Yes I know the swim ladder legs are off center.


Pattern next to rail. Inserted temp sticks to hold rails together.


Pattern under legs to check how close it is to reality. Decent I think.
Holes match up.

[Administrator]

During my tenure in the industry which pretty much covered the 70's I never even saw a Phillips head fastener. Our screw guns had driver bits with collars to keep the screw heads centered.

Neil, do you know of a source for these driver bits with collars?

Bill

[ndutton]

Neil, do you know of a source for these driver bits with collars?

McMaster-Carr is one source and they have several sizes. As an example, look up their number 7039A14

[Boat]

McMaster-Carr is one source and they have several sizes. As an example, look up their number 7039A14

Wow, I'm getting some of those!!!

[ndutton]

I should mention that having used such bits with slotted screws for several years, they perform poorly compared to simple Phillips head screws with a properly sized driver bit. I think I still have one of my old collared bits but can't remember the last time I used it, more like a museum piece.

[CajunSpike]

Rail is at a shop getting repaired. No word yet on progress. NOT going back with the slotted bolts. Probably going to use hex head stainless same size.

[ndutton]

If you have a good fastener source available, check out button head machine screws. They have a hex recess to fit an allen wrench, good tool holding properties and good appearance.

[CajunSpike]

From the local Lowes, who had a large stainless selection...ready to go when rail is done. Thanks for the idea Neal.

[ndutton]

Now, if you want to make it truly First Yacht Quality, touch those heads on a buffing wheel. They'll polish up mirror bright.

(it's a disease, I tell ya)

[azazzera]

ss from lowes

my local lowes store didn't know the stainless alloy that was used in there hardware. My local west marine had no idea either. May get corrosion sooner than you think. I've had good luck with Bolt Depot.

[CajunSpike]

Its pretty obvious what First Yacht Quality means..but is there an interesting
back story behind that?

[ndutton]

Its pretty obvious what First Yacht Quality means..but is there an interesting back story behind that?

At the sailboat factories it was a phrase that popped up frequently to remind ourselves that we could produce a better product at the insignificant expense of a little attention. It's something that once appreciated you'll carry the rest of your life. For example, which of these two electrical installations looks like the electrician cared about what he was doing, paid a little extra attention to detail? Which electrician would you rather have working in your house or office or better yet as an employer, working for you?