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How to Replace a Wooden Railing on a Sailboat

The importance of a solid wooden rail cannot be overlooked when at sea. The rail serves as a decorative accessory in a boat's interior. Rails are often placed in overhead spaces below deck, or installed on the deck walls to provide balance support. Prolonged exposure to the elements often causes wood to rot and decay, leaving the structural integrity of your railing in question.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Replacement railing

Instructions

- 1
  Assess the damaged area of your railing. Grasp the wooden rail firmly, preventing it from swinging or swaying. For overhead rails, position yourself against a fixed surface so that you can remove the railing without injury. Railings are often very long, and removal is best facilitated by two or more individuals.
- 2
  Locate the screws in the mounting plates at the ends of the railing. Look for two screws, one slightly above and one slightly below the mid-section of the railing. Remove each of the mounting screws that hold the railing in place.
- 3
  Remove the screws from each of mounting plates that hold the railing in place. Railings are usually secured by at least four mounting plates with metal arms. Removed the screws from the mounting plates on both ends of the railing. Remove the mounting plates holding the middle section of the railing last. Remove the railing.
- 4
  Position the replacement rails in the same mounts as the old rail. Use the screws that came with your new railing kit to re-install the mounts. Screw the middle mounts in place, and then attach the mounts are the ends of the railing.

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