Pontoon Rail Risers ... ?

[washburn2010]

I've got a Sundancer 240D that I'm rebuilding. I've got the new carpet ready to lay down, then put the rails back on. I've seen on several sites where they sell these rail risers, and I kinda like the idea of it. They raise the rails about 3/8 to half an inch off the deck. Would make it much easier to wash down, and to prevent standing water on the deck. They also say that it helps keep the deck from rotting out. I'm just wondering if anyone has installed them, and what the pros and cons are. I'm a little concerned with stability of the rails, since they won't be bolted directly on the deck. Thanks!

 

[undrh2o]

Re: Pontoon Rail Risers ... ?

Hey Ron,

I have been on several boats using the rail risers and have wondered about the stability myself...and the rails were as sturdy as my boat without the risers. I wish I would have found them when rebuilding my tri-toon because they do work well. I think most manufacturers are using them as standard now too...

hope that helps!

Rob

 

[washburn2010]

Re: Pontoon Rail Risers ... ?

Some of them that I've seen, you can add without removing the rails. You just have to loosen the bolts (don't take the nut off), and the riser slides right in, around the bolt. They have a U notch.

However, I'm thinking about making my own, out of aluminum. Pretty much all I've seen are plastic.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Pontoon Rail Risers ... ?

Ayuh,... I intend to add 'em to the railings on my houseboat,...

I'm planning to epoxy 'em down to the boat's fiberglass, 'n then screw the railing bases to the risers, without penetrating the fiberglass below...

The ONLY rot in my 1969 houseboat, is from the railing screws leaking into the interior,...
I figure, if the screws don't go All the way through, it Can't Leak...

 

[undrh2o]

Re: Pontoon Rail Risers ... ?

I was thinking I saw Aluminum risers somewhere...maybe pontoonstuff.com?