Boat Repair Chronicles: Steaming the Toe Rail
Ep 38 Steaming teak for a sailboat - https://youtu.be/QuVxXcJ1lWw
Ahoy, fellow sailors! Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of boat repair, specifically tackling the aftermath of a hurricane and a not-so-friendly encounter with another boat. Yep, you guessed it—our toe rail took a beating.
So, what's the plan? Well, Todd's stepping up to the plate with a little DIY steaming action. Armed with plastic sheeting and a wallpaper removing steamer (who knew?), he's ready to work his magic.
First up, constructing a makeshift steamer. Plastic sheeting? Check. Steamer hose? Check. And let's not forget a trusty funnel—because, well, Plan B always comes in handy.
With the steamer set up and heating, it's time to tackle the toe rail. But uh-oh, the plastic bag isn't inflating as planned. Time for a quick pivot. Todd swaps it out for a piece of sewer drain pipe, and voila—the steam's flowing, and things are heating up.
Now comes the tricky part—positioning the toe rail and clamping it down before the steam cools. With welding gloves on hand for protection, Todd works swiftly, ensuring the toe rail molds to perfection.
And the moment of truth? Drumroll, please. As the clamps come off, the toe rail holds its shape—pretty darn close to perfection, if you ask me.
But hey, don't just take my word for it. Check out our video for the full scoop on fitting the toe rail to our boat. And while you're at it, hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with our weekly boat adventures.
Until next time, fair winds and smooth sailing, mates. See you on the water!