We have just bought our first sailboat, a Beneteau 352. Unlike many other boats we saw, it doesn't have a rub rail. Are there after factory options for installing a rub rail? Is it difficult to do? Do you think it would be beneficial?
Rub rail?
- Thread starter gregrosine
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May be worthwhile for you . . .
Hi Greg,
I had hoped that somebody with first hand experience with adding a rub rail to their Beneteau would chime in first.
I understand that Beneteau does offer a "factory" rub rail kit. Contact Ward Richardson for information. I also understand it is somewhat expensive.
I did a web search for any boat owners that have added an after-market rub rail. There are quite a few reports out there with owners adding them as DIY projects and one having great custom work don't in a MI yard. There are a couple utube videos out there showing the DIYer how to install one.
I haven't encountered any Beneteau's with a rub rail added. The 352 is kinda beamy and it was our experience that Eldean's was a tight fit in their fixed height timber pole docks (at least it was in the trancient slip we were assigned).
There are a couple option for your home slip. You could mount flat boat fender pads on the timbers to protect the hull http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hull-Hugr-F...369?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d07fdb961
and have a few extras aboard to use when using other marinas with the same type docks.
In the end, only you will be able to determine if the extra cost of a rub rail is worth it to you. (I have read where a quality install cost between $3k & $5k)
Stay warm on your visit to Milwaukee. 42 degrees and gale force winds inshore. BRRRRRRRR!
Hi Greg,
I had hoped that somebody with first hand experience with adding a rub rail to their Beneteau would chime in first.
I understand that Beneteau does offer a "factory" rub rail kit. Contact Ward Richardson for information. I also understand it is somewhat expensive.
I did a web search for any boat owners that have added an after-market rub rail. There are quite a few reports out there with owners adding them as DIY projects and one having great custom work don't in a MI yard. There are a couple utube videos out there showing the DIYer how to install one.
I haven't encountered any Beneteau's with a rub rail added. The 352 is kinda beamy and it was our experience that Eldean's was a tight fit in their fixed height timber pole docks (at least it was in the trancient slip we were assigned).
There are a couple option for your home slip. You could mount flat boat fender pads on the timbers to protect the hull http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hull-Hugr-F...369?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d07fdb961
and have a few extras aboard to use when using other marinas with the same type docks.
In the end, only you will be able to determine if the extra cost of a rub rail is worth it to you. (I have read where a quality install cost between $3k & $5k)
Stay warm on your visit to Milwaukee. 42 degrees and gale force winds inshore. BRRRRRRRR!
Thanks! Milwaukee was a darn bit breezy and a little chilly to be sure.
I think the best bet is to simply install some dock bumpers on the dock pilings and it should work just fine for a lot less and no holes are drilled in the boat.
I think the best bet is to simply install some dock bumpers on the dock pilings and it should work just fine for a lot less and no holes are drilled in the boat.
Beneteau sells a rubrail kit to their dealers. Any competent boat wright should be able to design build one. They are expensive. But have you contemplated the cost of gelcoat repair or a $10,000 awlgrip paint job to cover docking damage? Every boat should have a rubrail.
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