Preview: How to Build A Caledonia Yawl, Part 20 – The Rails
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January 31, 2014
Email this Video to a FriendGeoff brings a bit of salty boat quality to the hull as he installs the rails.
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4 Responses So Far to “How to Build A Caledonia Yawl, Part 20 – The Rails”
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Neil Moomey says:
Great video. These videos are really helping with my current project. What wood did you use for the gunnels? I’m planning on using White Oak but I’m concerned about it’s poor reputation for epoxy bonding. Any concerns? Thanks.
terry finley says:
This is my favorite type of rail system! Just beautiful, and functional as well.
I installed this type of rail on my Walt Simmons lap strake canoe and loved it for the same reasons. I painted my sheer strake both inside and out first. Then, installed the gunwales with bronze screws through the blocks. The blocks were glued to the inwale only. That way, I can remove them if I need to paint, or replace a broken gunwale.
What do you think about that same approach to my Sooty Tern that I am building. Any negative thoughts on this?
Thanks!
Geoff Kerr says:
One of the joys of building your own boat is the fact that you get to do things however you want. Keeping an eye out for ease of future repairs does make sense, but I’ve found it just as easy to repair epoxy glued structures as mechanically fastened ones. Saws and grinders can remove just about anything. As for painting, the open rail spacers are a pain to paint, but after a session or two some pretty manageable techniques soon become apparent: custom sized sanding blocks, small foam brushes and a sequence that naturally allows you to catch drips and runs. Structurally I suspect your method is sound. Aesthetically and in terms of productivity I wonder about 60 screw heads or plugs. And just to muddy the waters, mechanically fastening the rails like that creates quite a bit of dark and dank territory for moisture to lurk. Oh well, do what you like and love every minute of it.
Capt. Peter Reich says:
Great video series. Can’t wait to build mine! I built a FrontRower 2 years ago with similar but varnished rail. Before attaching the inwale blocks, I jump started the varnish by applying 4 coats to the end grain. Much easier that way. Stacked them up like a jenga puzzle to dry.