Handi Cap Grab Rails

Alana Kai · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:26 pm Post subject: Handi Cap Grab Rails

I had to stop in Lowes today and noticed that they carry stainless steel handi cap grab rails. They come in different lengths and they are not too expensive. In fact they seem to a good value.

Every time I go to purchase some type of "boat" supply and wonder why the item costs so much, I was wondering if these would work on the C-Dory?

Any one have any experience using these in a marine environment? The package does not list the type or grade of stainless. I just may give one a try.

ffheap · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Take a magnet back to Lowes and if it does not attract to the metal, it should be stainless. Then you have a good find. Metal that attracts to a magnet rusts.

Fred

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:23 pm Post subject:

If you're looking for grab rails for the overhead (inside) of the cabin, the factory has some nice ones that aren't too "dear". They fit exactly, just unscrew the outside rail screws, mount the rail and put the screws back in. They're necessary to prevent falls.

Charlie

C-Dawg · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject:

Is it possible to buy items like grab rails from the factory, or must one go through a dealer?

mikeporterinmd · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:25 pm Post subject:

I've been mounting handi-cap shower type grab rails on my finger
pier pilings for a number of years now. We've switched slips twice, which
is why I've done this more than once. Last time I looked, the old one
still looked fine, and it has been outside for several years.

Mike

C-Gypsy · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:41 pm Post subject:

Seems like every time I look at a C-Dory I find something my boat does not have. I am always told they are "Factory Options".

Is there a link to a webpage containing Factory Options?

If not they have clearly missed something here. Shucks, I would have spent a fortune by now!

Wow, maybe it's a good think I can NOT find the page? Wink

Alasgun · Guest

The magnet trick has limited effectiveness. It will help you discern the alloy if you know a little bit about stainless.
For example 17-4 and SOME 18-8 Stainless are magnetic and will not rust. A lot of bathroom / kitchen stuff is 18-8 (Pots & Pans etc). By the way neither of these alloys are true Stainless but due to their alloy content do not rust.
On the other hand 304 is as non magnetic as the old standby 316 and yet it will rust in salt water service.
Mike

C-Gypsy · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject:

I agree with Alasgun.

Years ago some guys tried to tell me the standing rigging on my sailboat was not stainless because a magnet would stick to it.

I found out later that it was indeed stainless. Perhaps a poorer version of stainless but nontheless it was stainless.

Yes, I had the rigging replaced. Yes, I sold the boat shortly thereafter.

It's an old joke around here that we're always fixing up our boats for "the next guy".