How to remove stern teak and replace

[TitanTn]

I've read some threads about removing the stern teak and replacing it with something else. I simply want to remove it, clean and oil it, and then replace it. So if I break the teak plugs to get to the screws, is there a source for new plugs? Has anyone done this?

[OUI]

If this is your swim platform, no need to take the teak off the brackets. I've used Starbrite's 3 part cleaner and it works great.

[TitanTn]

Sorry I didn't clarify. No, it's not the swim platform. I'm talking about the teak rail on top of the gunwale around the stern of the boat. If you squint you can see it in the attached pic.

[mapleleaf]

You can buy a plug cutter bit for your drill at the Depot or Lowes and if you had a little teak you'd be set, that or I'd be real careful pull'in the plugs. Are they surfacede mounted or flush with your trim now???

[DKJBama92Mariah]

Are you talking about the grabrail? Yours is teak? If so, that is awesome. I hate that teak has fallen out of favor with "modern" boats.

If it is indeed the grabrail, I would be hesitant to disassemble it for fear or breaking one of the pieces. I would forgo the chemical cleaners and just sand it with it on the boat and apply teak oil with a rag. When sanding teak, go with the grain, never against it.

[TitanTn]

Yes, I'm talking about the grab rail. I also like teak, but it was not maintained by it's PO and I'd like to bring it all back. Removing the rail would make it so much easier to refinish the rail as well as the fiberglass underneath. I'm wetsanding the whole boat and it's going to take some time to go under each rail and around each mount. I've love to remove it. I don't think it would fall apart. It looks pretty solid.

And yes, the plugs are flush. I will have to destroy them to get them out. It seems like someone should make some plugs for this purpose.

[DKJBama92Mariah]

Well you certainly know your own boat better than I do. If you think you can do it,then it would definitely make it easier to refinish.

I think WestMarine has what your looking for: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=442466&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10112&subdeptNum=10671&classNum=10675

[TitanTn]

Oh yeah! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the help!

So, anyone ever done this before?

[beast 496]

Here is a corner view of my Ol Beast Note the teak trim all around the gunnel and windshield.

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae55/alswagg/Supra%20Beast/SupraBeast010.jpg

[beast 496]

An aft view of the teak, note the teak flooring, The floor is solid teak, no laminate hear.
The engine is a 496 MPI HO 425 hp Al

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae55/alswagg/Supra%20Beast/SupraBeast067.jpg

[TitanTn]

That is so cool! I love the teak floors. So original. Very nice.

So have you removed the stern grad rail? Any thoughts on doing so?

[DKJBama92Mariah]

An aft view of the teak, note the teak flooring, The floor is solid teak, no laminate hear.
The engine is a 496 MPI HO 425 hp Al

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae55/alswagg/Supra%20Beast/SupraBeast067.jpg
Wow I've toyed with the idea of teak floors in the back of my mind. Your boat just blows me away. Looks incredible. Fine work indeed.

[beast 496]

I did not remove the aft rail, I did not want to risk damaging the wood. I used a sonic sander very carefully. Mask off all of the gell double layer of 3m masking tape. The Green stuff works the best. Basic teak oil. I did remove all of the trim from the w/s and gunnel side panels. Alot of work but I really like the look and function of natural teak. I have installed the teak floor in several boats, from cabin cruisers to deck boats. What boat do you have? What year? Al

[beast 496]

http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae55/alswagg/Supra%20Beast/SupraBeast002.jpg

View of engine installed, Note the white styrene subflooring under the teak floor. Al

[TitanTn]

My boat is a 1986 Saltare. I'm going to lay my eyes on the rail again, but I think it's in good enough shape to remove. It'll make refinishing the teak easier, and it'll make sanding and polishing the gelcoat much easier as well.

[Kma4444]

Well THAT'S cool