[Public-list] Alternative Deck Beam Fix

[Rick Leach]

Ahoy All,

I've been gearing up for dropping the rig and fixing my beam and have a few questions to pose.

The very helpful, friendly folks at WACO Products quoted me about $300, plus shipping for a set of deck beam plates.  Unfortunately, due to my nature, that got me thinking about alternatives.  I've been wondering about the possibility of constructing a whole new beam.  Instead of building one with horizontal laminations that put sheer stresses on the glue layers, I was considering a vertical lay-up of sawn arcs of 4/4 white oak (total expenditure = $150+/-).  I'm certain I could build a beam that is substantially stronger than the original, but how big of a pain would it be to get the old one out?  Am I looney for considering this?  It seems to me that it ought to work.  Has anyone ever tried?  I know the plates work, but it just seems like a proper beam is what's called for.

Rick Leach
S/V Sugar Magnolia, #121
Monterey, California