replacement of the rope rubrail

[oddysea1]

I have a 1989 18 ft. wellcraft with the rubber type rub rail and the rope insert, just wondering how big of a job it is to replace.The line looks like it can be pulled out, however the rubber holder feels very stiff with little give.How would you push or bang the line in, is it just muscling it in, or are there any tricks of the trade.Also short from the proper size is there a special line that goes in?Thankyou Andy

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: replacement of the rope rubrail

any line will do. buy more than you need. stretch it as you insert it; it springs back to larger size once it's in. Also use a mallet and wooden dowel to get it in. Leave a tail for a while to take up the slack.

 

[Solittle]

Re: replacement of the rope rubrail

While I have never tried it I would be tempted to heat up the rub rail a bit with a hair dryer.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: replacement of the rope rubrail

just wondering how big of a job it is to replace.

On a Wellcraft I don't know, but my Crestliner was easy, probably took an hour. I used 7/16" braided nylon rope from Lowes (looks better than the twisted poly rope) and big snap ring pliers to spread the rubber channel, along with a couple blunt screwdrivers.

 

[JoLin]

Re: replacement of the rope rubrail

I used a putty knife to push the new rope into the rub rail. Use hand pressure only if you go that route- no mallet or hammer. If you can figure out the diameter of the old rope, try to go 1/16" less on the replacement. It'll look exactly the same, but it's easier to force into the rubrail. In fact, much of it slid in with only my thumb pressure.

There are plenty of things you can use to push the new rope into the rubrail, even something like a wide screwdriver tip, gasket scraper, etc. Pad the 'blade' of it with duct tape. You shouldn't have to buy anything.

My .02