Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Nauset Bow Rail Issues
Posted by sunnybreeze on 06/19/13 - 3:58 PM
#1
My 1963 16' Nauset bow /side rails are in great shape BUT the Tee fittings on the rail which support the downtubes are shot and broken. Does anyone know of a trick how to slide new ones past the bend of the rail. Does someone make a split Tee fitting which will screw together? Any ideas?
Steve in Maine
Edited by Tom W Clark on 06/20/13 - 7:06 AM
Posted by Tom W Clark on 06/19/13 - 4:10 PM
#2
Steve -- Yours is a common problem. Back then Whaler used chrome plated zinc Tees that did not hold up.
You cannot slide a new Tee past a bend.
Yes, they do make split Tees, but I do not recommend them
The best solution is the cut the rail in the middle of the Tees, remove the old Tees and slide the new Tees on. You then insert a 4 inch long piece of 3/4" stainless steel tubing into the rail to act as a spline. We call these splines "hot dogs" and Whaler used them in many factory built rails. They do not need to be any longer than 4 inches.
There is no loss of strength when using "hot dogs" The set screws (or rivets, if you are going that route) for the Tees penetrate the "hot dogs" as well and lock it all together.
Posted by sunnybreeze on 06/20/13 - 5:09 PM
#3
Tom,
What a great idea!! So simple. Where would you recommend buying new Tees of High quality. Specialty Marine??
Thanks for the GREAT idea.
Steve in Maine
Posted by bcross on 06/21/13 - 7:29 AM
#5
I have the same problem with my boat, and have been thinking of replacing the tees as my next project. Glad I saw this thread first. Now I am just wondering how to cut the rails? Can this be done with a hack saw or will I need to use a torch? I have not tried to cut stainless steel before. Also, can you recommend a supplier for the hot dogs? Thanks for any help here.
Posted by Jeff on 06/21/13 - 8:28 AM
#6
Do not use a hack saw and never a torch as it will discolor the tubing permanently. I recommend cutting stainless steel bow rail tubing with one of these tubing cutters. You can find them all around.
ridgid tubing cutter
The supplier for the hot dogs is Fred at CMI, which is listed above in Tom's link.
Edited by Jeff on 06/21/13 - 8:30 AM
Posted by bcross on 06/21/13 - 8:36 AM
#7
Thank you so much for that information. I actually have a tubing cutter. Had no idea it would cut stainless. Thanks again.
Posted by Jeff on 06/21/13 - 9:48 AM
#8
Yes it will do stainless it just takes a more gingerly touch and more time / revolutions than say copper or brass. I used it to cut down stainless bows on Bimini tops before.
Edited by Jeff on 06/21/13 - 9:49 AM