Repair rub rail on 1968 Columbia 36

[kfrancisco]

We hit a large wake from a freighter and it loosened the rub rail on our boat, starboard side. Now noticing some bubbles on the port side. Want to make repair but concerned that the way the old Columbia's were designed, we might run into trouble pulling it off due to the double channel aluminum that joins the hull to deck. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

 

[sailnoproblem]

Not sure about the Columbia, but from my experience the rub rail has nothing to do with the deck to hull joint. Most of the time it will cover the joint.
A picture would be a great help.

 

[kfrancisco]

Thanks! I will add a couple photos later today.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

Some rub rail channel is made of unobtanium. I fabricated a 3’ piece for @jssailem after a fishing boat tried to cut him in two. Otherwise the entire rubrail would have to have been replaced not just the damaged section.

 

[kfrancisco]

Thank you. I'm going down to the boat later today to take photos.

 

[Tally Ho]

We hit a large wake from a freighter and it loosened the rub rail on our boat, starboard side. Now noticing some bubbles on the port side. Want to make repair but concerned that the way the old Columbia's were designed, we might run into trouble pulling it off due to the double channel aluminum that joins the hull to deck. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

Must have been one hell of a wake to loosen the rub rail !

Greg

 

[kfrancisco]

It was...actually a series of them...

 

[jssailem]

Looking at your rub rail images, it appears there is some sort of caulking applied to the top side of the aluminum fitting. Perhaps to try to stop a leak or perceived leak. Taco Marine, Florida is the primary maker of boat rub rail with a variety of configurations. You’ll need to remove a bit of the rail starting at the end and see what is there. Then look at the Taco Marine’s list to find something that matches.

The aluminum strip is attached to the deck/hull with screws. Some screws may be stripped. That could be a source of leaks.

While doing the work. A great time to inspect the deck to hull joint.

 

[sailnoproblem]

I agree with jssailem, only problem I see is the age of your boat. I used to do a lot of business with Taco, and they have a large selection of rub rails.
Not sure they were around when you're boat was built. Give them a call and ask for Mercedes.

 

[kfrancisco]

Thank you all for some great suggestions!