rubrail to front of bowsprit

[markfitz]

Here's a question: Our rub rails weren't quite long enough, so we ended up about 6" short, so long story short, they don't reach the bowsprit. Did anyone else have this problem, and if so, what did you all cover up this area with? We made some "patch pieces" that fit in there, but it still looks like it's missing something.

[Barry Pyeatt]

If it is the lower rails that are not long enough; when you fit the trailboards, you won't even notice that they were patched. Or even if they weren't long enough since the trailboard cover them. If it is the upper rails, then I would scarf some additional length onto them. Or fit a set of bow chocks in front of them.

[Frank Hagan]

Mine fit, so I don't have an exact solution, but take a look at the trailboards people have installed. You may be able to "hide" the patch when the trailboards are installed.

You might be able to work up something similar to hide the patch.

[Fintan Murphy]

I'd second the idea for a set of bow chocks instead of the upper rub rails. I am trying to install a set of bow chocks now (for the anchor), and it would have been easier if the upper rubrails weren't there.

[markfitz]

OK, I'm a woodworker, not a sailboat guy -- what the heck is a bow chock?? The trailboard looks to be the thing I was asking about. I didn't know what that was called either. I'm learning all kinds of new words building this thing. (So are the neighbor's kids, on the days where nothing goes right. :? )

[Fintan Murphy]

Mark,

the bow chock that I'm talking about is a guide for the rope going over the side of the boat, normally that will lead to the anchor. These are fittings that you buy. They look like a very big, flattened eye with a slashed opening at the top that the rope goes through.

I will be putting one on each side of the boat, to stop the anchor rope moving along the rubrail either wearing the rail, or the rope.

Hope this helps,

[rolandblais]

I was thinking about installing these: (later, maybe as a winter project)

I think if I can get them into the rail without doing too much damage they'll tie in nicely.

Peace,

Roland

[Dave R1]

Mark, you could make your bow chocks out of hardwood and work it out so they blend into the rub rail.

I saw a thing describing a bow chock made of a piece of PVC pipe with the side cut open, rounded and smoothed then bedded in epoxy. When it was completed it looked like it had been molded into the boat. A very nice job.

I thought it was on one of the Paradox builder's yahoo groups but most of those files seem to have been removed and I can't find it.

Still, hardwood chocks could be made up and would look very sweet.

[ken connors]

i like those chocks, Roland. whered you get them and what are they made of?

[markfitz]

I like the hardwood idea.....I think I'm going to try that. Where would they be mounted? Just directly on the top rubrail?

[Barry Pyeatt]

Ideally they would be set into the rail so the top edge would be flush with the top of the rail.

There are lots of different chocks out there, from nylon to bronze and lots of chrome ones inbetween. Some are like those Roland posted and they would be cut into the rail. Others come in distinct left and right versions and would mount on either side of the bow. If you don't have a place to cut them in, then I would set them on a block just flush with the inside of the rail. I would want the mooring/anchor line to clear the top of the rail so that it didn't chaf against it. You can always add a guard to the rail to keep it from chafing. One way is to use a short section of PVC pipe and cut a slit lengthwise and spread it over the rail at the point the line is contacting it. That will protect the line as well as the finish work on the rail.

When placing the chocks visualize ahead to how your mooring lines will run so you get them placed in a good spot for line handling as well as anchoring if you plan on anchoring out.

[rolandblais]

Haamilton Marine

Clicking the pic would've taken you to the store. Sorry I didn't state that.

Peace,

Roland

[markfitz]

I'm looking at the pic that roland posted, and I can't envision how this would be inset into the top rubrail. I must be dense.

[Dave R1]

Mark, can you float? Yes? Then you aren't dense.

To install a chock like that you'd need a bit of a toe rail--the side would need to extend above the deck to the height of the chock. This isn't too unusual and many boats have enough of a toe rail for that. Obviously you'd need more than just 1/4" plywood in that area.

I think the way the Stevensons installed the sides on the Weekender, they extend a fair amount above the deck near the bow. Mine didn't work out that way so I ended up cutting the sides flush with the deck. The rubrail was then made with a rabbet in the back so it essentially hooked on the edge and only extends about 1/2" above the deck over the entire length.

[Dave R1]

Here. I did this quick drawing to give you an idea of what it would look like.

You would have to have a toe rail or top rub rail that extends far enough above the deck to allow the chock to fit.

[Frank Hagan]

OK' date=' I'm a woodworker, not a sailboat guy -- what the heck is a bow chock?? The trailboard looks to be the thing I was asking about. I didn't know what that was called either. I'm learning all kinds of new words building this thing. (So are the neighbor's kids, on the days where nothing goes right. :? )[/quote']

I meant to include the picture where I have the trailboard connected to the bowsprit, which is technically incorrect (like anyone really cares!) But you could angle it up so that it covers the short rub rail as in this pic of Phil Gowan's excellent Weekender, Aloha:

Also, not sure what this grate thing is called, but Bob Butler has one on one of his Weekenders; you might be able to adapt something like this to extend down on the sides to cover the rub rails ends:

[markfitz]

That's amazing for a "quick drawing." Jeez. But now I understand where it would go -- and why I couldn't envision it. I don't have that much room up there, I don't think. I'll have to check. I could just make some out of something extremely hard, like cocobolo or something...thanks for the drawing -- it is truly worth a thousand words. I see what you guys mean about the trailerboards too.