Help with re-installing my rub rail

[Mark Hofman]

This last weekend, my starboard rub rail was pulled out of the gunwale channel at three different locations. I can get the "A" fin/strip (cross section drawing below) back in the channel, but I can't get the "B" fin/strip into the channel and I don't want to tear up the rubber.



Any suggestions on how to re-insert this correctly, or should I take it to the local Tracker dealer?



And, is there any way to prevent this from happening, short of sinking some stainless screws into the rubber rail every foot or so?



Mark

 

[Sam Elkins]

MO, There should be a screw thru the rubber at either the back or front of the boat that holds it in place and keeps it from sliding out. You should be able to remove that screw then slide the rubber out the side back in. It could be the rail and/or the rubber is defective and not holding properly. Mine did the same thing but just in one place so I just used a thin blade screw driver and pushed it back in.

 

[Mark Hofman]

TEE



I never saw the older design. What was the difference?



Mark

 

[Greg Gutierrez]

The Rub Rail, I knock this rub rail off all the time. I fish in, under and around a lot of docks so it is a frequent event.

This is a good time to do some preventitive maintenance on your boat. Take a look down the rub rail if you see little bulges in it you have some screws that are backing out. The first time I see this I get a calking gun, pull the rub and and screws one at a time to calk them. I never have another problem after that.

Here is what I do and it works really slick! first get a spray bottle of your favorite preserver like 303 or armorall or what ever. Put the rub rail back in place bottom lip first, this will allow you to push or strike down on it for ease of installation. Next spray the top lip with you 303 or what ever stuff you choose if you don't have any use a soapy water salution. Then "gently" strike down and in on the rub rail, I use a rubber mallet or my fist to pop it into place. It's just that easy.

Rip Lips,

GregG

 

[Mark Hofman]

Greg:



Never even thought of using some type of lubricant to help slip the fins into the channel. Great idea! And, I've been trying to put the "A" fin in first and pull up to get the "B" fin to slide in. Reversing that was something I had thought to try, but just haven't.



I also think I'm going to anchor this strip down every few inches (12 to 14) with countersunk screws. The channel is in the top cap, which is all one piece. So there aren't any screws behind the rub rail.



But that lubricant idea is great!



Mark

 

[Mark Hofman]

Greg:



You da man! It took about fifteen minutes of careful coaxing of the bottom lip with a small blade screwdriver (courtesy of Sam's suggestion), then some Armorall on the top lip, then some not-so-gentle coaxing of the top lip with a hammer and a short piece if 1x4 lumber. It's back in place correctly. Thanks for the help, guys!



Mark

 

[JEFF WHITE]

try using a little dish soap,dawn,ivory,or even turtlewax car wash soap on it.it should pop right back in.to keep it in,get some 1/8 or 3/16 pop rivets,stainless ones,and pop rivet it on in a few spots.this way you can take it off if and when it gets worn or beat to death.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Frank:



Depends on the boat. Aluminum or fiberglass? On mine, I'd end up scratching, denting and dinging the top cap to death, which is no big deal 'cause its aluminum. If you could care less about appearances, go right ahead and pull it. If the boat is fiberglass, I'd be against it.



I think a better solution on tin boats would be to run a couple dozen stainless, self-tapping screws in through the rub rail every eighteen inches or so.



Mark