Rubrail staining on the 340

[Wynn Ferrel]

Jim,Another user of this site suggested that I involve you in the search for a solution to what I believe is excessive staining of the rubrails on the 340. Please read my post under Big Boats entitled "Rubrail Staining on 340" and the responses by other owners. Perhaps you could offer a practical solution for this problem. There are, apparently, several owners that share this problem to varying degrees.Thanks,Wynn FerrelS/V Tranquility

 

[George Kornreich]

Organic solvents

If your boat uses the same grey rubber rubrails that mine does, this might help. I have found that a number of different organic solvents work, such as acetone, its slower evaporating cousin, MEK, and xylol. These seem to resurface the rubrail well, but must be used with lots of clean paper towels turning frequently, and wiped quickly before the solvent dries, which would just redeposit the stains back on the rubber. I've used a whole roll of paper towels per side, but the result is a new looking rubrail (plus very tired arms).

 

[George Fletcher]

Simple Green Keeps Them Clean

I suffer with the same problem of staining of the rubrail.I have used acetone in the past but have been told that it hastens the discoloration and can destroy the rubber material.Once cleaned I have kept the rubrail clean using a new Simple Green product I purchased at West Marine. It looks the same and smells the same but contains an ultraviolet protectant.It seems to slow any of the spotting or discoloration and does a great job of cleaning (full strength). I leave it on for several minutes and wipe it off.I have also used a liquid auto wax after cleaning which also helps in keeping dirt from sticking to the surface.

 

[Jim Bohart]

all that and more

Just like the discoloration on the hull from water staining it's all easy to get off if you have the right cleaners. The solutions allreadt stated are tried and true. I'll add to those, dingy cleaner. After all these cleaners have been used the surface of the rubrail is exposed without protection to UV and somesort of protection needs to be added. I've seen tire shine and waxes applied with good results.JB