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In the event that your rub rail is damaged, the following tips can be implemented as a guide to ensure proper repair.
Although the primary design of a rub rail is to protect protruding
portions of your boat’s hull from superficial damage, rub rails also
serve as an additional buffer between harsh marine elements and the
inner portions of your hull.
Typically constructed of highly durable, impact resistant materials, rub rails are most often installed directly over the joint between your boat’s hull and deck liner, a critical structural joint that must remain watertight at all times. Therefore, in the event your rub rail has sustained significant damage during a collision or other boating mishap, your first concern should be to determine whether the integrity of the joint beneath the rub rail has been compromised.
In order to make that determination, you’ll first need to remove the damaged portion of the rub rail so that a thorough inspection of the critical hull/deck joint can be made. You should first confirm that all joint fasteners are secure. Next, check the surrounding gelcoat and fiberglass finish for any cracks and/or fractures. If either or both are present, you will then want to consider having a qualified individual do the necessary gelcoat and/or fiberglass repairs.
After you’ve surveyed and determined the extent of the damage, you’ll need to determine exactly what type of rub rail you’re working with. In today’s market, there are several types and configurations of rub rails that may appear on your vessel depending upon its size and intended use. Some are simple one-piece vinyl strips; while others are more elaborate and contain polished aluminum or stainless steel inserts.
Determine whether yours is a one or two piece rub rail system. One piece rub rails generally consist of a single PVC or vinyl strip; while two-piece systems consist of PVC or vinyl rails with PVC, vinyl, or stainless steel inserts. One and two piece rub rails are considered equally effective for most applications. However, two piece systems are generally considered more decorative and are a bit more costly.
Rub rails are fabricated at several different derometers (degrees of hardness) and are applied to different types of vessels based on the vessel’s weight and intended use. If your rub rail is of low derometer (softer) and has been sliced, partially cut or gouged, repair will most likely require that only a section of the rail be replaced. However, if you have sustained more extensive damage, it may be necessary to replace the entire rail system.
With late model vessels, local boat dealers and boating accessory outlets should have access to rub rail kits available directly from the OEM manufacturer.
In many cases, rub rails are installed as one continuous piece which spans the entire length of the hull on both sides as well as the bow section and transom. If yours is such, you will need to decide whether you’ll be happy simply sectioning in a new piece or whether you would prefer to replace the entire rub rail.
Successfully replacing a section of rub rail most often requires little more than a sharp utility knife, a tape measure and a tube of marine-grade sealant.
Proceed by cutting out the damaged section of rub rail with clean 90 degree cuts at each end. Once you have removed the damaged section and determined how long the new section will need to be, finely sand and clean the area. The replacement section should be measured and cut at exactly the required length. When attaching the new piece to the boat, make sure you have proper sized stainless fasteners at each end of the new section and at evenly spaced intervals, approximately 12” apart.
The down side to sectioning in a new piece of rub rail is the potential for the new section to shrink in colder weather. Fastening a screw at each end of the new section of rub rail will help keep this from happening. It’s also a good idea to use high quality urethane sealant, such as 3M’s 5200, on the threads of each screw. This will seal the screw holes as well as help keep the fasteners from “backing out” from normal vibration.
Plastic or PVC inserts for rub rails are usually one piece and are screwed at each end to minimize shrinkage. Therefore, whether you decide to replace one section of your two piece rub rail or the entire rail, you will most likely need to replace the entire insert. The exception to this would be if your rub rail incorporates a stainless steel insert. If this is the case, then sectioning in a new piece of insert is usually quite simple.
Typically, stainless rail inserts come in 6, 12, or 18 foot sections. If only a portion of your existing rail is damaged, you can simply replace that section by removing the damaged portion of the old rub rail and installing the new section in its place. The final step when replacing a section of insert is to keep the seams of the insert off-set from the seams of the rub rail.
If the rub rail is of a high derometer (harder), then a slice, partial cut or gouge can most often be sanded out and buffed for cosmetic purposes.
When sanding the gouge out, start with a fairly aggressive 80 or 100 grit sand paper. Then work the area with progressively lighter grits, down to 600. After the area has been sanded out, buff with a medium grade buffing compound until the shine matches the original rail.
After the rub rail has been repaired or replaced in sections or in its entirety, run a bead of marine grade silicon or UV protected urethane sealant along the top and bottom edge where the rub rail meets the deck. This will help keep dirt, grime and saltwater from getting behind the rail. However, you should drill a few holes into the bottom of the rail at even intervals to allow any water that gets behind the rail to drain.
Although rub rail repair may sound pretty straight forward, as always it is best to consult a reputable marine technician before undertaking a project of this nature for the first time. Review the damage and let your technician know how you plan to proceed with the repairs. A professional may see something that you overlooked and may be able to guide you and/or keep you out of trouble.
For more information on rub rail repair, contact Island Coast Boat Works Inc. at 239-458-4868 or email RichardStrauss@IslandCoastBoatWorks.com
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