Cracked Gunwal Fiddles

[markm]

I have an R-21. It was one of the very last to be built before the switch to the R-21 EC. Originally the gunwals were made of teak, but later they switched to a heavy plastic material. According to Ranger the material was hand created with a router, replacements are not available. Here is my problem. One of the fiddles (which is two foot long) has cracked, one inch from the end where there are two screws and approximately one inch of the fiddle has fallen off. I was able to recover the piece (thankfully). I have used a black 3M marine adhesive to attempt a repair. It did not work. I now have three other fiddles that are cracking in the same fashion. The fiddles can't be replaced (unless I replace them all with teak). Has anyone had this type of trouble as well, and what did you do yo correct it? Where the chunk of plastic is lost, the screw heads are exposed and sharp, I really need to fix this for safety purposes. I am also concerned that the other fiddles with cracks will break and the broken piece will fall overboard and then I will really be up the creek.

Any advise would greatly be appreciated.

If it would help I could upload pictures of the fiddles and the damage to my picture book.

Thanks to all

Mark

 

[rt11002003]

Plastics can be tough to repair. Sometimes, some plastics will bond using epoxy. I've had pretty good luck with Superglue.

I think I'd look for a cabinet maker and have some wooden fiddles made.

Gene

 

[capncarp]

Ok, I give. What's a fiddle?

 

[rt11002003]

A fiddle is the structure used around a table edge, or other surface to keep things from sliding off, or out. I think in Mark's case he's talking about the vertical structure that helps keep the water out of the cockpit. Probably part of the coaming.

Gene

 

[markm]

If you go to my photo album I have two pictures of the "fiddles". At least that is what we called them in the Coast Guard. As you can see in the pictures, it is not pretty.

Mark 🙁

 

[captain's cat]

Mark, if you want to use a plastic material, they make Starboard (plastic "lumber") in Black, White and Cream. It comes in various sheet sizes and thicknesses. It can be cut with a jigsaw and drilled just like real wood.

Personally, I'd use teak but it'll take upkeep.

Charlie

 

[markm]

Charlie,

The fiddles that Ranger made are going to be very hard to reproduce. My understanding is that they were all hand made with a router and the gentleman who made them is no longer with the company. Once again, which ever repair or replacement I take, it won't be easy.

Thanks for all the input.

Mark