how do i take the rubber rub rail out of the track without destroying it? I removed the screws and bracket on the transom revealing the ends. If I pry an end out will it break the track it sets in? or is there some method I'm unaware off?
I just removed a small section of mine this weekend to facilitate a repair. In my case I was able to pry up the rubber without too much trouble, and when finished finesse it back into place. Your mileage may vary.
I think the cold is fighting me too the rub rail itself is in great shape, but I need to take to cap off the boat. However, being about 20-30degrees in the garage the rubber is real stiff and unwilling. I'd like to be able to reuse the track and the rub rail as I hear there not cheap.
pry up the end, and just steady pressure pull it out. store as flat as you can. to reinstall, lay it in the sun, it will soften up some. then start putting one side in, and work the other with a narrow putty knife.
As Salty said, use a heat gun or hair dryer to make hte rubber pliable, and then pull it out. We use this method on warm days, so plan to warm it throughly
The rub rail on my boat is actually two pieces - a large outer body and a small tube (1/2" diameter) that fits inside of the larger outer body. Some rub rails use a rope instead of the tube which looks pretty sharp.
After I take of the end caps off of the transom I then have to pull out the rubber tube insert. This exposes the screws that attach the rub rail to the hull.
As far as installation, warming up the rub rail DEFINITELY helps. The last time I installed a rub rail I put it in a bathtub full of hot water for about an hour. It was very easy to handle. I've done it both ways and there's no comparison. Wamer is better. Hope this helps. - Woodnaut
