Rub Rail Choice

[Keepi time]

I have a 1989 Seswirl Striper 172. Wanting to replace the rub rail which is Aluminum. I want to go to a flexible vinyl. How do you know which one will work. I have looked on Iboats but the rub rail finder does not go back that far. The height on the rub rail now is 1 1/4" and the depth is about a 1/2". Could I use the 1 1/4" x 11/16" or would that be too thick. I was thinking the thicker the better as far as protection. Thanks for the help!

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Rub Rail Choice

My boat originally had an aluminium rubrail and I've just replaced it with a vinyl one. I don't think it matters too much if you're replacing the whole thing that it is a different material to the old one. There are pro's and con's to different types but I think the aluminium ones are harder to fit than the vinyl ones. I believe the same is true of the size...as long as it is a similar size to the old one and going to cover the join between cap and hull adequately I don't think it matters if it isn't exactly the same. If i'm wrong i'm sure someone else will let you know!

 

[Keepi time]

Re: Rub Rail Choice

My boat originally had an aluminium rubrail and I've just replaced it with a vinyl one. I don't think it matters too much if you're replacing the whole thing that it is a different material to the old one. There are pro's and con's to different types but I think the aluminium ones are harder to fit than the vinyl ones. I believe the same is true of the size...as long as it is a similar size to the old one and going to cover the join between cap and hull adequately I don't think it matters if it isn't exactly the same. If i'm wrong i'm sure someone else will let you know!

That's the exact response I was hoping for, someone who replaced an aluminum one! Thanks so much!

 

[joelybob]

Re: Rub Rail Choice

rope rub rails look good on some boats. just a suggestion