Alberg 37 Toe Rail work, March 2022

I'm still working on removing the teak toe rail. After the teak is gone I'm cleaning all the old sealant and whatever dirt from the hull to deck joints. It's disgusting how the boat builder (s) are hiding the sloppy work performance under the teak. These joints are very crucial to the structural integrity of the boat. And to top is off they were using some sealant that looks like plumbers putty. Ever wondered why your boat always leaks from the inside and can't tell where the water is coming from? Here's the answer. Seeping from under the teak toe rails, finding all the small cracks in the deck to hull joints and you're in for constant mildew.

After I got it all cleaned I fill the gaps with a mix of West System 105 and 404 high density powder. That stuff will adhere to just about anything and becomes as hard as steel. Its very tough to sand but well worth the effort. Then I drill and tap holes thru the top and screw ¼ stainless machine bolts in. Yes, I actually tap treats into the fiberglass. Its thick enough and then I set the bolts in with the Epoxy mix as well. When it's cured the next day I then install the nuts from beneath. The last I do is completely overlay the toe rail with a thick fiberglass mat. There is no chance for any leakage again and it also makes the hull to deck joint much stronger.

My advise to anyone with a similar project; get rid of all teak on your boat. At least from the outside. It's a shit wood that needs constant maintenance. It's soft and very weak. Face it, the time of the wooden boats is done. Unless you're really into it and you just want attention from other members in your marina. For me the boat has to be functional, strong and easy to maintain. And by the way, there won't be no stanchions, life lines or even a bow or stern rail on my boat. That's just more crap that goes bad and only a total wuss needs the fake security of life lines. There you have it, LOL