How can I fix this? (pic)

[Ck111484]

Ever since I've owned my boat, its bow rail has been detached from its base at one point:

I've tried all kinds of glue, and although JB-Weld will hold for a while, it doesn't stay.
Is there any way to fix this? Do I need to have it re-welded or what?
(Note: the vertical rail is hollow and the nubby bit on the hull fits inside of it).

Any input is appreciated,
Thanks.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

Do I need to have it re-welded or what?
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks.

Yes.

 

[Augoose]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

X2. When you find someone, be sure they can weld aluminum if that's what it is

 

[mphy98]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

Could you possibly drill and tap a set screw or two into it? It looks like it fits into the tube. I would try that before I take the whole assembly off.

 

[rivermouse]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

Could you possibly drill and tap a set screw or two into it? It looks like it fits into the tube. I would try that before I take the whole assembly off.

I agree. Have it pressed down into position and then drill one or 2 small holes at the bottom. Then screw in a small self taping sheet metal screw. Dont leave any sharp edges.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

I'm sorry, I hate to disagree with you guys but if you compare the size of the water droplets to the height of the metal attached to the fiberglass, I would estimate the height of the metal at around 1/8" and I cannot think of any way to screw into this and have it last any length of time, in this case I think your best bet is to remove the rail and have it welded.

 

[JoLin]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

What Lipp said. Don't forget, as inadequate as most of them are, the bow rail is a safety device. I'd be reluctant to make a cosmetic repair there. I'd want to restore whatever strength it had.

My .02

 

[JoLin]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

<deleted - double post>

 

[Augoose]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

What Lipp said. Don't forget, as inadequate as most of them are, the bow rail is a safety device. I'd be reluctant to make a cosmetic repair there. I'd want to restore whatever strength it had.

My .02

Exactly.....the set screws are a nice idea cosmetically, but it'll never stop someone from completey ripping it out if they use the rail to brace themselves!

 

[series60]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

Have you considered something like these third line down on this page?

 

[Ned L]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

Yea, ........ As has been mentioned, lifelines, bowrails, etc. are safety items and really need to be secure & strong enough to hold up like your life depended on it. Small boats are pretty notorious for inadequate strength in these items. I'd almost rather see the rail removed than have a false sense of security.
As a minimum I'd say remove the whole rail and have that welded. It should be (and looks like) stainless steel, and that is easy to weld, you can 'stick weld' that with nothing speicial required.

 

[Ck111484]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I'm a little confused though; how would I remove the whole bow rail if it is welded like this at 6-8 points to the bow? Woudn't that require ripping out all those welds?

Lipp is right, there's not enough material on the bottom to get a screw into. That's a good idea though; for now, what if I were to build up the bottom with JB Weld (or even have a piece welded on) enough to hold a screw?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: How can I fix this? (pic)

the bow rail should be bolted through the fiberglass, the part that remains in the fiberglass is the part that is bolted through, now put on your contortionist outfit and get a flashlight, if you have a bowrider pull your seat cushions and you should be able to access the bottom of the bolts.

Don't forget the chiropractor...

If you were to weld to anything it would have to be the part that is still attached to the fiberglass and thats never going to happen so long as it is still on the glass, there is no way to weld to metal directly attached to fiberglass that close, it will destroy the glass, just no way to limit the heat transfer.