How to fix rub-rail?

[Eoin Heaney]

The Catalina 310 has a rub-rail that consists of a rubber 'bumper' which is held in place by an aluminum track. The rubber is wedged into the track. While docking, I managed to dislodge a six-foot section of this rubber which now hangs unceremoniously as testament to my docking expertise.I thought this would be easy to fix, but I just can't figure out how to get the rubber back into the track! I guess this must be a dumb question, because I have consulted all my boat-maintenance books, and none of them address the problem.HELP!

 

[Tom Wingo]

Still have blisters from Rub Rail

I just replace the rub rail on my Catalina 30.. Ouch!!! Still have the blisters on my thumbs from 2 weeks ago.....I have read several idea...Some heat the rail insert with a hair dryer, others lubricated it with dishwashing detergent...I heated my new rub rail in a pot of warm water to make it more plyable....but when it came down to putting the insert in...I found that if you place the bottom half of the rubrail in the track and press the top half in with your thumb, the insert seemed to go in fairly well...... I would suggest that you heat the section of rub rail up with a hair dryer and lubricate it with dish detergent.. then press it into place.....good luck.....

 

[Bob]

310 Rub Rail

I had the same problem with my 310 last year. Someone (OK, it was probably me) hung the fender too high and it caused a section of the rub rail to come off. I was able to just push it back into the track. It only took about 10 or 15 minutes. As Tom suggested, put the bottom edge in first and then work the top edge. If you've ever fixed a flat on a bicycle, it's very similar to putting the tire (clincher) back on the rim.

 

[Matt Boulton]

Save those thumbs!

Try inserting the bottom of the rail in the track, then using a rubber mallet to drive the top section in (it's a lot easier on the thumbs).

 

[Eoin Heaney]

Thanks

Thanks for all the advice. I eventually found that using liquid soap as a lubricant made it possible to insert the rubber strip. I didn't need to use heat, as the daytime temp here is around 88.This turned out to be a rather akward job - I'll be a lot more careful when docking in future!Eoin

 

[Jerry]

Try channel locks

Try inserting the bottom of the rail in the track, then using a pair of channel lock pliers with the bottom jaw on the lower aluminum strip slightly compress the top rail just enough to allow it to snap in. I installed mine that way and it turned out fine.