Older timber boat components such as handrails, timber coamings, hatches, hulls and decks can sometimes be reinvented using epoxy and glass fibre.
The original component can be used as a mandrel to glass over encapsulating both sides. Or the component can be first structurally strengthened then sheathed with glass epoxy as a protective sheathing layer. Using a combination of the above is most common.
Teak handrail example project
Photos of a teak handrail encapsulation are shown below. The teak still has some strength so was used as a mandrel (former). The glass reinforces it to make it stronger than when new and keeps it dry.
Background: Teak is durable but soft, it wears away as can be seen on overlay teak decks. In this case the handrails diminution had been reduced to the extent that it could potentially break if given a decent heave. The teak plugs covering the fastenings were falling out exposing the countersunk machine screw heads. The rail was about 2/3 of its estimated diameter and the teak had ingrained mould in it.
Points to note that apply in all cases:
- Timber must be dry below about 16% moisture content
- Timber must be sound enough to hold fastenings
- Timber surface must be clean of mould and abraded
- Avoid dark finish colours that draw heat causing movement. Movement often leads to cracking and moisture ingress
