Installing rub rail insert

[dnifedem85]

Does anyone have any tricks for installing rub rail inserts. I bought a new one and it fits so tight and is so stiff, that it won't slide through the rail. Especially around the corners. It is supposed to be the right size, unless the marine store made a mistake. I assume it is supposed to fit very snug? Thanks for any help!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

They do fit very snug.If its the black rubber type a hair dryer or getting it warm can help.I have used Vaseline too...

 

[22E6441]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

Lay it out in the hot sun, or put in in a big tub of hot water for a while. You need to get it warmed up.....warm things are softer and easier to work with than cold things.

 

[kg5388]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

didn't someone find that a screen tool worked wonders at this

 

[5150abf]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

Yup, at work we have a big tub of hot water that it soaks in, makes it really pliable and gives it a little lubrication to slide in.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

Although I have only worked with the rubrail a few times, I used a heat gun and a leather mallet.

 

[dnifedem85]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

I am still having trouble. This link is the insert that I bought:

http://www.iboats.com/1_quot_Black_...4397909--**********.114847593--view_id.373497

I have lubricated the channel on the insert and tried installing it after laying in the sun and got it nice and flexible. For some reason it just don't want to slide around. I have also tried screwing a screw in the insert and used a 2 x 4 and hammer to try and pound it around. So far I have made it 2 feet after around a 1/2 hour of work. Any pointers with this type of insert?

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

I had really good luck with a very thin film of silicone lubricant spray on the metal part, putting one side in first and taping in and toward the side that started in the groove and down to pop it in... and then just working a little at a time until it all popped in a little at a time...

 

[Phantom_II]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

Somehow, I get the impression that you are trying to insert one end of the rub strip into the rail and slide it through around to the other end.

That's not gonna work.

 

[dnifedem85]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

Thanks for correcting my actions. I thought sliding it through and around seemed to easy. I will try and pry it in the rail.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Installing rub rail insert

didn't someone find that a screen tool worked wonders at this

screen tool will work in the beginning and the end, used a rubber mallet for the middle

avoid spray on things and dish soap, it will splatter back when you strike it, and with the boat on the trailer you are just about eye level