All metal rub rail?

[jfw432]

I'm looking to replace my old ratty rub rail and looking at alternatives for a couple reasons. First, I never realy liked the look of most rub rails. Second, they never seem to last very long. Last, nice looking rub rail is expensive as sh*t!

So basically, I'm looking at using some flat metal (with rounded edges of course) and bending it all the way around the rails. Is this something that's been done before? Can you see any downsides to this idea? I pull my boat onto a lift 99% of the time so hitting things shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: All metal rub rail?

Check in the completed projects in the boat restoration. Archbuilder made one for his boat.

 

[MRS]

Re: All metal rub rail?

Yup first time you bump something it will dent and look bad. Plus if you rub against another boat will scratch or chip there gel coat. Rubber is there for a reason...

 

[jfw432]

Re: All metal rub rail?

Well I understand that boat to boat contact would be bad. On the other hand, I've never seen the rub rails help boat to boat contact before anyway. I've always seen someones rub rail get bent or dislodged from the rail because the other boat came up or down on it when some big wake hit them both.

Most rub rails only have a tiny bit of rubber anyway and it's really only effective against poles or large docks that are above the bondline on the boat. If you don't hit the rail perfectly square, the rubber does nothing. That's part of the reason that I hate them so much. The metal rails get all chewed up and the sacrificial rubber piece does nothing. Then you're stuck trying to find your special kind of rail and the rubber insert and hope it splices back in properly.

 

[MRS]

Re: All metal rub rail?

Most rub rails only have a tiny bit of rubber anyway and it's really only effective against poles or large docks that are above the bondline on the boat. If you don't hit the rail perfectly square, the rubber does nothing. That's part of the reason that I hate them so much..

Soooo, you think all metal will work better, you will not have to hit perfect to protect or bend just hit it anywhere and instant damage.
But not trying to knock you just letting you know that I never plan on bumping into anything but I do and probably will again plus I have no dents in the metal part of my rub rail but the rubber does show some wear...

 

[sqbtr]

Re: All metal rub rail?

Here is a 1969 with a stainless rub rail. There are no blems in it.

 

[jfw432]

Re: All metal rub rail?

Good to know... Just for the record, I'm not trying to say "I'm right and my way is awesome". I'm just trying to defend the concept to bring forth more ideas on the subject. I'm not sold on this concept yet.

That said, I want to defend the dent aspect a little. I plan to use polished solid aluminum plate with nice rounded edges. I do realize that anything it hits though will chew the hit object up.

I've also heard of people using automotive side molding and I've looked into that as well but haven't made up my mind on anything except for the fact that I don't really like the standard rub rail.

 

[jfw432]

Re: All metal rub rail?

Here is a 1969 with a stainless rub rail. There are no blems in it.

That's really close to what I'm thinking of except I was planning on using aluminum with countersunk screws or rivets instead of stainless and pan head fasteners. That looks pretty good though.

 

[sstaz]

Re: All metal rub rail?

The rub rail on my Reinell is all aluminum(see pic below). It has some light scratches in it but in great shape for 38 years old. I don't see why you cant use it. If you hit someone or someone else hits you hard enough to hurt the gelcoat with an aluminum rub rail, I'm sure the rubber rub rails would give way enough to cause damage also.

 

[mr 88]

Re: All metal rub rail?

My 1954 MFG has a aluminum rub rail and looks great after almost 57 years. As far as some one being worried about being tied up together etc and there gel being damaged, try using some fenders. Or better yet stay away from people that look like they may have 'boat rage' written all over there face. It will make for a more enjoyable day.

 

[produceguy]

Re: All metal rub rail?

jfw432, Where you been man? If I did all that work I think I would try to find the best way to protect my boat also.I have rubber rails and that works great for me. Post some more pics of your work,will ya.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: All metal rub rail?

old firehose works great.



but if you want something that works well and looks good, I like the rubber with a length of line (rope) in it, so that rope makes contact. I replaced the rope on mine once and you have to stretch it to get it in the slot, so leave some extra hanging out for a couple of weeks until it fully relaxes.

Old yachts ran a brass (bronze) strip with countersunk screws along the mahagony rub rail--this protected the rail and was good against pilings. IMO rub rails are for pilings or other moring and fenders are for other boats.

function before form. Focus on a material that will serve its purpose first, then appearance. Consider whether you want to protect your boat, other's, or both.

 

[sasto]

Re: All metal rub rail?

I run 2 boats with stainless rubrail. No problem with me! The 35 Cabo below and a 65 Viking. Built many boats without rubber rubrail.

Good luck.