Rubber rub rail for Hunter 376

[looking2buy]

Anyone have any feedback on the rubber rub rail around the 376 and should it be tight to the hull. I've looked at a couple boats for sale and both had spaces (1/8" to 1/2") between the rubber and the hull in numerous spots around the boats. In fact both boat owners had filled the gaps with caulk all the way around the swin platform (and it looked terrible). Do these gaps allow water into the boat or is it mearly cosmetic and the hull halves are sealed tight under the rubber?

Also, anyone ever replaced rub rail and approximate cost?

Thank you

 

[Allan Frey]

Normal and no problem. Its such a hefty u shaped rub rail that it can't precisely make the tight curves at the stern. You will appreciate the protection it gives.

Allan

 

[looking2buy]

Normal and no problem. Its such a hefty u shaped rub rail that it can't precisely make the tight curves at the stern. You will appreciate the protection it gives.

Allan

Allan,

Does the attached picture seem normal for the stern rubrail and all the caulk (other than it looks terrible)?

there are also major scrapes and abrasions on the starboard rubrail (most likely from banging against a pylon when docked) have you looked into replacment costs at all?

Thank you.

 

[Allan Frey]

I don't know why the previous owner put in the caulk.

Scrapes and abrasions occur because it is big and effective in protecting the hull and made of vinyl which is relatively soft and absorbs shock. Whether it bothers a person from a cosmetics standpoint is a matter of personal taste. As to replacement cost, I suggest that you call Mike, Hunter's parts guy at 800.771.5556.

Allan

 

[robertsapp]

Our '95 336 has the same rubrail. It's made by Barbour plastics, you can download their catalog at http://www.barbourcorp.com/marine-products.htm. Unfortunately, that profile isn't made anymore, although I'd heard a rumor that Hunter had them make a batch some time back. I'd call Hunter and see. Our boat also has the ugly caulk around the stern, and when we called the previous owner, he said it came that way. Hard to believe, because it's the ugliest, crappiest looking caulk job you can imagine. Anyway, when I stuck my head down in the swim platform lockers, it looks like the deck and hull have been glassed together around the stern, so I don't think the caulk serves much of a purpose. I intend to remove and replace ours over the winter.

 

[looking2buy]

Robert,

are you removing and replacing the whole rubrail or just the caulk?

Todd

 

[robertsapp]

Robert,

are you removing and replacing the whole rubrail or just the caulk?

Todd

Just the caulk. As I mentioned before, I don't think you can get this rubrail anymore.

 

[jwieneck]

I replaced the caulk on my 376 two years ago. Just pull up the old clean the gap and put down the new. I will more than likely have to do it again after next season seems to last 3 years or so. I am in fresh water. The folks at Racine Riverside Marina said the caulk is really just for show not structural.

 

[serenisea]

I dug out the caulk on our 1997 H376 and re-caulked it. Water can run down in between the hull and the rub rail if there is any failure in the caulk. It took a whole week in the sun with no caulk to finally get all the water dried out that was under the caulk.The stern is a major collection point for rain and dew, and will turn black from mildew if not kept clean and caulked. I wash the boat with a pressure washer and it digs out the mildew between the rub rail and the hull.

 

[sailwyvern]

hunter rub rail

I just ordered a run of rub rail for my hunter 45. I believe its the same as the 376 and 42. I couldn't find any in the whole country so I ordered a run and I am going to have enough new rub rail for four boats. When Hunter had some it was $1800, I'd like to get $900 to get some of my money back. I am waiting on delivery, but if you are interested let me know. Charlie sailingwyvern@aol.com