I am getting there... rub rail question

[RECESS]

I have been delayed, delayed, and delayed some more on my painting because of these storms in south Georgia. I finally completed my red painting today and have finished the white on the top and waterline strip. In the next couple of days I am taking her to a boat yard in Jacksonville to have her put up on blocks so I can lower the centerboard and bottom paint.

When I get back I have to replace the rub rail, add the white strip on the top of the red and the boat's name. Will placing the middle of the rub rail in very hot water make the bend around the front of the boat easier? Should I put down a bead or two of 3M 4000, I have four tubes?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Nice work! You guys have certainly had some weather. Looks like you could do the bottom at home except for getting the swing keel all the way down.

My experience with rubrails is to completely seal the entire length. Get the sealant as close to the top as possible. Not doing it means that dirt will collect along and under the upper edge. Then it will trickle under and down the topsides creating nasty stains.

 

[RECESS]

Thanks Ed, that makes all the sense in the world! This forum is great for thinking and getting great advice before jumping.

I do not think the hot hot water will discolor or warp the rub rail. I remember people posting about heating it. Me, flames, objects I just paid good money for, have not been a great combination in the past.

 

[sailingdog]

3M 4000 might not be the best sealant to use. You might want to check with the rub rail maker and ask them what sealant they'd recommend. 3M 4000 is a polyurethane sealant and may attack some plastics... better than a polysulfide, but still might be worth checking with the rub rail manufacturer just to be safe.

 

[RECESS]

Thanks Sailingdog, I will give Rudy a call.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

Slick!

 

[BobM]

Looks great. A sailboat is probably the only red vehicle you can drive and not worry about a speeding ticket in too ;-)

 

[AXEL]

I replaced the rub rail on my C30 a few years ago. I did not need to use any type of sealant. I found using a heat gun on the LOW setting worked very well for softening the material. Do not use high, it will melt. But on low = no problems, easy work!