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I love teak trim, but varnishing comes around frequently. Sometimes it is done every 90 days, while other times it is done every three months. So, if you have teak, we may have an idea that will help. If your boat is fiberglass and stainless, you can feel smug and just look at the pictures. The teak cap rails requires regular care so we looked for a way to extend the life of the varnish. We didn’t find a new varnish; we made canvas covers. Long simple strips of heavy cotton or canvas are easy to make. Cut them slightly wider than the cap rail and hem the raw edges. Next, it needs fasteners to keep it on the rail. No, we didn’t use snaps, we have a new gadget. Jim didn’t want to put more screw holes into the wood. I suggested we make something like the bicycle clips we used to use to keep flapping pant legs from catching in the chain on a bike. The next morning he presented me with rail clips. He started with a piece of 2” PVC pipe and sliced it into ¾” rings. Then he cut through each ring, making a slot. The PVC is stiff but the ring will open under pressure. The PVC becomes pliable when heat is applied. Unfortunately, a flame or heat gun will scorch the plastic. The solution was a pan of hot, salt water. He dropped the slotted rings into the hot water. After a few minutes, he moved one ring from the water and holding the two ends with vice grips, shaped the ring to the template shape he had drawn. It took practice to get the shape just right, but dropping the ring back into the hot water made it easy to correct mistakes. After the rings, now clips, cooled completely, he ground the edges smooth. This would prevent damage to the cloth. PVC has specifications printed on it, but a little sanding will take it off. We tried to cover the outside of the clips with cloth to make them less visible. The cloth looked rough and didn’t adhere to the clips. If you were determined to have them invisible, you might have luck painting them. We made them in three different sizes, as the cap rails were not the same width everywhere. Permanent felt tip markings on the inside of the clip will keep them sorted. We found colored tape worked as well. When underway, we roll up the cloth and collect all the clips in a mesh bag. We discovered that strong wind getting under the edge of the cloth could yank the clips off the rails. We decided to use more clips on the rail after our first heavy storm. Yes, we love the brightwork. Yes, it takes time. But using your time is what cruising is about.  Clip on rail cover with PVC clips. The more clips the more secure the cover. Publications currently available by Diana Jessie: Cruising with Your Four-Footed Friends is available at www.Seaworthy.com. Jim Jessie shares his boat building and maintenance expertise in Be Your Own Surveyor, Almost, available in VHS or DVD. It can be ordered at nalufour@compuserve.com. ...back to 48° North title page.
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1. Cut pipe into rings.
