Replacing Rope in Rub Rail

Fishin' Chips

Fishin' Chips

New member
Does anyone know how to go about replacing the rope inside of the rub rail? It looks simple enough, but wanted to get input first...How much rope will I need on the safe side to surround the boat within the rub rail? Thickness of rope?
 
Just did mine 2 weeks ago. In my case it goes all the way around including the transom. Total length was 53 to 54' approx. I bought 55' and had a little piece left over around 1 foot or so.

It was a royal pain in the but to get the new rope in. I wet the rope first based on something I read somewhere else, but didn't accor to try the soap as lumberslinger did.

I recommend you go with the blue as lumber did as my white rope was immediately stained by the docks in my first trip to The Keys.
 
I redid mine with 5/8'' three strand rope. 5/8" is thicker than the factory but I think looks better. I think I started with 60 feet of it and had left overs. While the rope is out it is also a good time to tighten up any loose screws. I used the knobbed handle of a large craftsman screwdriver to spread the rubrail about 6-12 inches ahead of the rope. Dawn dish soap is a good lubricant for the rope. Start at the stern and work your way around. Tap the new rope in with a rubber mallet. Be sure to leave about a foot extra on each side for about 4-6 months as the rope will shrink up. When you think the new rope has set and is done shrinking, wrap with tape and tap into the rubrail. If you wash your boat with a little bleach like I do the white rope stays really clean.
 
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