Replacing rub rail

GREYWOLF

GREYWOLF

Junior Member
I was going to put new rope in the molded rail, but I noticed some cracks and large pieces broken off and loose spots + the caulking is all messed up and lets water in. What rub rail have you guys used for a replacement and how hard of a job is it ?. I have done all sorts of boat work but never have done a rub rail Thanks
 
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I have never done anything more than rope replacement. Here is what I have studied on and my observations with respect to rub rail replacement..
If there is a job that is near impossible single handed this one is close. So I say two man job. It has to be stretched tight sealed and fastened at the same time.
Depending on the exact type of rub rail selected you may need a heat gun to go around sharp corners at the transom.
Detailers tape works well to help with alignment and to keep the sealant off the gelcoat where you don't want it.
Lots of screwing and glueing.
Rub rail on the Whaler was wavy as can be. AND Huge.
 
WOW that looks like a lot of work , I priced some out today $$$$ BIG BUCKS. I am rethinking the job now , think I will just put new rope in and 5200 the seal , and come winter do the job rite . I have to get it in the water soon thanks guys for the advice
 
A few years ago I replaced my original, ugly, and beat up (in my opinion) aluminum rail (http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/album06/Dock_2010) with a black rubber one that accepts a 5/8" rope (http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/album06/Spring_2012_b).

It took me only a few hours with a drill/driver to remove the old one and install the new one, and I didn't need any help. It cost me about $300 total for both the rubrail and the rope. The new rail came with a round black plastic insert, but I used a separately-purchased nylon rope instead. I thought the total cost was a very reasonable price for what I consider to be a great aesthetic improvement.

Before I bought that rail I searched this forum and followed one or more recommendations I found. I can't find my receipt at the moment, but if I do I'll post the name of the manufacturer and model number. I know that it's a very standard rail that's widely available from marine supply sources. I don't think there are many different rail manufacturers.
 
I bout the black rubber but put the black tubing in it instead of rope. Cost was around $350. The product was Taco and I bought it off eBay. Installation was easy but definitely required 2 guys.
 
Thanks for the advice guys , I for now am just going to replace the rope this season & re-caulk ,and do the whole replacement this winter when I have more time & $$$ I still have other work to finish on her. I Hope to do a shake down trip by the end of the month
 
The easiest way I found to do alone is mark the center of the rail, measured from each end...then find and mark the very center on the bow...put one or two screws there and tie a rope to each end, pull them back past the stern and tie them off to something...that puts just enough stretch and has them going in the right direction for installation...CLEARANCE holes thru the RR...shouldn't bite and when you run the screw in, don't go down too tight or it will pooch the RR out....agree w/the heat gun for sharp turns...not too hard...Have 3-4 tubes of 4200 to seal the gap underneath your newly installed rail and yer ready to go...
 
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