Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Paulmm on 02/18/09 - 6:56 PM

What is the reason for the gap in the horizontal teak gunwhales? The teak planks on my boat have some severe cracks so I was thinking of replacing with new teak planks. Can't I just use one long piece instead of two joined pieces? Anyone have experience with this? thanks

PM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 02/18/09 - 7:14 PM

Paul,

See this new article on "How to refinish Teak Gunwales the Hard Way".
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=88

Probably lots or reasons why they did this in 2 pieces.
Cost of longer pieces
Easier to ship shorter pieces
Easier to work with short pieces
etc...

Yes, you can make them one piece as I have known others to do this also.
It might also be a little more difficult to work with a 1 longer piece as opposed to 2 shorter pieces. Depends on your equipment and if you have helpers.

Posted by Jeff on 02/18/09 - 7:17 PM

It is believed Whaler went to two part gunwales for cost cutting reasons in production and other reasons. You can make them as one piece if you want to. I know Mike at Nautical Lumber (site sponsor) has Teak in up to 6 or 8 quarter thick x 10 - 12 feet long x 8 - 12 inches wide. I know he is also looking for a set to use as a template to build a repro set from. If you sent them to him I am sure he could remake you a set. Give him a ring as see what you can work.

Edited by Jeff on 02/18/09 - 7:18 PM

Posted by Paulmm on 02/18/09 - 8:05 PM

thanks guys. I've got a source locally here in Atlanta that I can buy some long boards. I think I can recreate the pieces. Just don't want to make a bad cut with a $100 piece of lumber. I may talk to the guy at Nautical lumber. I imagine the shipping would add up quickly.