Rub Rails

[ocuyler]

Hey,

What are you guys putting on for rub rails? This the exact Taco replacement for what came off my 23'. I like that it looked a little "heavy duty" and indeed is probably pretty tough.



The new 23's have a s/s insert, which looks pretty. The cap doesn't fit perfect all around and I feel I need the 2" to cover a "multitude of sins". Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

Otto

[ March 10, 2003, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

[Trayder]

Otto-

Thank you for posting that section info as it is what I am also considering. I am torn between the SS insert and the one you have posted about. One issur with SS is it may dent if you "greet" a dock but the SS inserts are easily replacable and are avail as a solid piece instead of hollow. Its all up to your personal preference.

[Mark]

I was thinking that the SS rails would have less traction when "greeting" the dock and therefore less tendency to scoot around on one side like the rubber ones can. Denting is also a thought though...

[GetReel]

Otto: I just put on the factory type SS insert, same as on the new 23's and it looks great. Though I have some reservations about denting (single inboard docking technique sometimes requires a "bump and run" approach) I think its a narrower looking profile and still covers the joint-I agree the other you reference is somewhat "chunky". Sounds like your making more progress than the weather!

[ocuyler]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the replies. Your comments echo my thoughts. I'm going with the flexible vinyl rail shown above for three reasons. I't "original". It's heavy duty (I learned a long time ago to proactively "use" the piling to touch and go to control the bow in wind or current). Finally, it will cover the darned Tracker quality cap fit, which is tight on one side and 1/4" on the other. I bought several tubes of caulk in anticipation.

Here's poor Tom DAing bottom paint. Thank God for creepers, full face masks and Tyvek suits.



Regards,

Otto

[Scott]

Otto ...
Maybe I'm to late but here’s a rub rail supplier ....he will send samples if you ask nice [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I have found several rails (rigid vinyl with stainless insert) that fit your profile...

While I agree that the "soft" vinyl rails is more forgiving, dent proof and much easier to put on the boat I have seen a few jobs using that rub rail that are downright ugly !!! due to the rail wavering up and down as you look at the sheer line of the boat.

The rigid/with SS will help to eliminates that plus, my personal opinion , it dresses up the boat a whole bunch and looks real nice.....The other thing is that the rigid is just that ..RIGID and transfers that "bang into the pilings" across a larger area of the rail....reducing the stress/energy on the impact point and the “fragile” F/G behind it... the soft stuff doesn’t do that as well....and if “crunched” hard enough it can start crazing and spider cracks at the site that gets hit(I'm sure if you run into things hard enough it will not matter what you have on the rail!!!!!)...Unfortunately the past owner of mine proved that point (I have soft vinyl rails) and there is a spot on the gunwale cap that has lots of crazing....and on the rub rail there is evidence of an encounter with a pole (torn rubber and tell tale tar) Me… personally I would rather have to replace a $12.00 section of SS insert than have to look at crazed fiberglass. Additionally the rigid vinyl portion of the rail has a “crown” in it which fills the void in the SS rail ….. making it more difficult to dent .

It’s a personal opinion for sure .... and no matter what kind of rail you use try to stay away from those pilings !!!!!

[ March 11, 2003, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: Scott ]

[Eric McNiff]

Otto,

Here is another supplier you might consider. You can buy direct from them and they are the actual factory, so might be cheaper than buying from a distributor or retailer.

http://www.barbourplastics.com/vinyl.htm

[Scott]

Eric ..... Thats the people I was thinking about ....have you used them ???

[ocuyler]

Scott,

It's not too late and, darn it, your points are well taken. Now that you mention it, the flex vinyl that came off was "wavey", astetically challanged and caused a zillion spider cracks near the bow, of which we had to remove a 2' section of the cap, it was busted up so bad. The previous owner was Harvey Dockbanger.

I'm reconsidering, thanks. Does Robin know you're so smart?

Otto

[ocuyler]

Scott,

White or black with that stainless?

Otto