DIY Boat Handrails

Whether you have a row boat, speedboat or a yacht, hitting choppy waters can be unsteady for everyone aboard. Handrails provide safety and support for passengers and crew, and help prevent passengers from falling. Handrails can be installed even if your boat was not manufactured with this safety feature. Handrails may consist of one-hand size grips on each side of a row boat or extend as long railings that can be used for support while walking around on the deck or in the cabin of larger boats. Moderate carpentry skills are needed to build and install boat handrails.

Things You'll Need

  • 2- to 4-inch diameter round wooden pole beams
  • Level
  • Circular saw
  • Sander
  • Screws
  • Drill
  • Power screwdriver
  • Paint or varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length needed for the handrails that you will install on your boat and determine whether the handrails should be placed to provide support to passengers who are standing or sitting. Mark the height of the handrails on the boat's walls.

    • 2

      Cut with a circular saw the handrail length needed. Smooth the wooden beams with a sander to remove any splinters or rough patches.

    • 3

      Place the round aluminum metal railing holders at 2.5- to 3-foot intervals along the handrail. Mark the areas where these will placed on the walls, using a level.

    • 4

      Install the aluminum metal railing holders into the walls or sides of the boat, using screws and a power screwdriver. Use a drill if you need to make space for the screws in fiberglass and other hardy material.

    • 5

      Slide the railing into the round holes of the aluminum handrail holders. Adjust the handrail so that it is in the correct position.

    • 6

      Install the end railing holders at both ends of the handrail to prevent them from sliding out. Continue installing the next segment of handrailing, using the same method.

    • 7

      Finish the handrails by painting or varnishing them. Let them dry completely before using the boat.