Looking for Rub Rail Insert

[Laker99]

I'm looking for rub rail insert for a 1965 16' Mark Twain that I am refurbishing. My aluminum is great but the insert is very brittle after all of these years. I know that 1965-1968 all used this same insert but I'm not sure about other years. I also know they had various colors (red, blue, white) that matched the interior colors. I can make any color work. Does anyone have any ideas where I might find this? I have tried Taco Marine Products and Barbour Plastics but not had any luck so far.


I know that you have to heat this with a heat gun to work with it and have done this. And I have salvaged sections from several boats that I can piece together but I would love to find a nice, new continuous piece.

Thanks,



Don

 

[gm280]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

I'm looking for rub rail insert for a 1965 16' Mark Twain that I am refurbishing. My aluminum is great but the insert is very brittle after all of these years. I know that 1965-1968 all used this same insert but I'm not sure about other years. I also know they had various colors (red, blue, white) that matched the interior colors. I can make any color work. Does anyone have any ideas where I might find this? I have tried Taco Marine Products and Barbour Plastics but not had any luck so far.


I know that you have to heat this with a heat gun to work with it and have done this. And I have salvaged sections from several boats that I can piece together but I would love to find a nice, new continuous piece.

Thanks,



Don

Not sure where to get the exact same rub rail insert like you posted the picture for, but there are lots of other types that would fit and work equally well...I've...been researching as well for my boat. My main issue is the cost. I mean how can one foot of plastic/rubber rub rail insert cost near ten dollars a foot for some of them? You would think for what it is that it wouldn?t cost but mere pennies a foot... I guess supply and demand, or hold the line and make folks pay dearly for it because you can... You need to look for the width and you will find lots of usable options for that rail...

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

Yep, they are expensive!
You can look here on Iboats.com...rub rail in Boat Parts & Accessories For Your Boat - iboats
Another option that some guys do to save a ton of cash is install one made of rope...
Good Luck!

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

I have bought insert and rubrail from rubrails.com Alan is great to deal with. Looks like he may have what you need. He will probably even send you a sample if you ask.

RubRails.com - Your online source for rub rails, bilge supplies, boat cleaning supplies, and other boating accessories

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

These guys look like they have it too!!
Vinyl Rub Rail Inserts

 

[sphelps]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

I,m in the same boat with the rub rail .. I,ll be interested in what you come up with . My aluminum pieces look to be the same size as yours . Another thing that,s real pricey is the U shaped edge molding. 50 bucks for a 25 ft roll . I can get a roll of door edging for like 8 bucks but no one has white ..

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

In the world of boating $50 for 25' of anything is cheap. Not sure what edge moulding your are looking for but here is a 50' roll for $60.
White Vinyl Edge Trim - 50' Roll at Menards

When I bought my rubrail and insert Alan at rubrails.com had the best prices of anyone.

 

[Laker99]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

Thanks so much for the good ideas. I am going to start out with Alan at rubrails.com and go from there. The boat originally had a Caribbean Blue rub rail insert to match the interior. I wonder how I might paint the white vinyl if I want to recreate the original look? I may just play it safe and stick with white not to create future problems for myself. I would hate to have cracking paint on perfectly good, new rub rail because I tried to get too cute. Don

 

[Laker99]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

Alan fixed me up! It took a few e-mails and measuring but we got there. He sent a sample which works perfectly. I will have a completely new, seamless, rub rail so I'm very happy. Pretty hard to do when you are talking about a 48 year old boat! Don

 

[gm280]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

Alan fixed me up! It took a few e-mails and measuring but we got there. He sent a sample which works perfectly. I will have a completely new, seamless, rub rail so I'm very happy. Pretty hard to do when you are talking about a 48 year old boat! DonView attachment 188971View attachment 188972

Not try to pry, but could you give us a ball park figure for your new rub rail. I have to do the same and was wondering the cost... I'll also understand if you don't want to post it...

 

[Laker99]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

I think it came in at $122 and $20 shipping. I'm completely gutting the boat and putting in new stringer, floor, and transom. And I am having it painted and putting in a new interior. So its a little expensive but I thought it was worth it to make it look great. My aluminum is perfect so it seemed like a shame to try to go the cheap route at this stage. I know I am putting more money in this boat than its worth but the rub rail is about the price of a round of golf at a fancy resort!

 

[Laker99]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

And that was for a 50' roll. I only needed 37' so I'll have a little to spare. Speaking of the cost, I just paid $70 to fill up my little Nissan truck so it doesn't seem so bad when I think about it that way. Vinyl is a petroleum based product. See how I can rationalize spending money on an old boat?

 

[gm280]

Re: Looking for Rub Rail Insert

And that was for a 50' roll. I only needed 37' so I'll have a little to spare. Speaking of the cost, I just paid $70 to fill up my little Nissan truck so it doesn't seem so bad when I think about it that way. Vinyl is a petroleum based product. See how I can rationalize spending money on an old boat?

Ha, thanks for the numbers. And yes I do the same thing when trying to rationalize spending as well... I have to buy some myself and was wondering how much it was going to set me back... I’m in the same boat (pun intended) with a total refurbishing of a boat, motor and trailer. Thanks again!