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The rub rail on a fiberglass boat is a metal or aluminum protective layer that covers the joint between the hull and deck. It is also known as a bang rail because it takes a lot of banging during docking. Over time, it gets worn out and needs to be replaced. Removing the old rub rail involves unscrewing the end caps, pulling out the insert, and removing the screws or drilling out the rivets. It is important to have a helper when removing the rub rail to manage the floppy end of the old metal track. After removing the old rail, the excess sealant should be scraped off, and the old screw holes should be filled with an epoxy paste or marine-grade sealant.
Removing the Rub Rail on a Fiberglass Boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Unscrew the end caps |
| Next Step | Remove the insert using a screwdriver |
| Next Step | Remove the screws or rivets attaching the rub rail to the hull |
| Next Step | Drill out the rivet head and push the shaft in to prevent rattling |
| Next Step | Scrape off excess sealant with a putty knife |
| Next Step | Fill the old holes with an epoxy paste or resin |
| Next Step | Caulk the seam with a product like Sikaflex or LifeSeal |
| Additional Information | Two people should work together on this task |
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What You'll Learn
Unscrew end caps
Unscrewing the end caps is the first step in removing the rub rail on a fibreglass boat. The end caps are located at the middle of the transom or at a transom corner. They can be removed by using a screwdriver to pry them off. Once the end caps are off, the next step is to remove the insert.
If your old rub rail has an insert, you can use a screwdriver to pry the end of the insert out of the rub rail at the transom where the end cap was. If the insert is vinyl, you may be able to grip it and pull it out. If it is a stiffening strip, it may require more force to remove. Starting at the back of the boat, work your way forward, removing the rub rail insert.
Once the insert is removed, the next step is to remove the screws or rivets attaching the rub rail to the hull. If the rub rail is fastened with pop rivets, you will need to drill out the rivet head and push the shaft in to prevent rattling. Again, start at the back of the boat and work your way forward.
After the screws or rivets are removed, the rub rail can be unscrewed from the boat. It is recommended to have two people for this step: one to handle the electric screwdriver and the other to manage the floppy end of the old metal track. The old metal track can then be cut into convenient lengths with a band saw for recycling.
Finally, fill the old screw holes with marine-grade sealant or epoxy paste before installing the new rub rail.
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Remove the insert
Removing the insert is a crucial step in the process of replacing the rub rail on a fiberglass boat. The rub rail, also known as a "bang rail," serves the purpose of absorbing impacts and covering the joint between the hull and deck, thus requiring occasional replacement due to wear and tear.
If your old rub rail has an insert, typically made of vinyl or rubber, you will need to remove it before installing a new one. Start by using a screwdriver to pry the end of the insert at the transom, where the end cap was located. Gently work the screwdriver to lift the end of the insert out of its groove. Once you have lifted enough of the insert, use your hands to grip it and carefully pull it out, working your way around the boat. This process will likely require some force, so be cautious and patient to avoid damaging the boat's surface.
If your rub rail has a stiffening strip, it is important to remove that as well. The stiffening strip is often made of metal or rigid plastic and may require more effort to remove. Use a screwdriver to pry the strip out, starting at the back of the boat and working your way forward. This process will expose the screws or rivets that attach the rub rail to the hull.
After removing the insert and the stiffening strip (if present), you will need to remove the screws or rivets holding the rub rail in place. If the rub rail is fastened with pop rivets, you will need to drill out the rivet heads and push in the shafts to prevent rattling. Start at the back of the boat and work your way forward to avoid damaging the boat's structure. Once all the fasteners are removed, you can finally unscrew and detach the old rub rail from the boat.
The removal of the insert and the entire rub rail is a detailed process that requires time and attention to detail. It is always recommended to have a helper during this process to make it more manageable and efficient.
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Drill out rivets
To remove the rub rail on a fiberglass boat, you will need to drill out the rivets. This is a necessary step when removing the rub rail and preparing to install a new one. Rub rails are important as they absorb the impact of encounters with dock pilings and cover the joint between the hull and deck.
Before you begin the process of drilling out the rivets, it is important to gather the necessary tools and supplies. These may include a power screwdriver, an electric drill, a putty knife, a scraper, masking tape, rags or paper towels, a caulking gun, an adhesive sealant, screws, and a screw driver. It is also recommended to have a helper to assist you during the process.
To begin, make sure you have removed the end caps and pulled out the insert of the rub rail. This can be done by prying the end of the insert with a screwdriver and then gripping it and pulling it out. Once the insert is removed, you can start drilling out the rivets. Use an electric drill to drill through the rivet heads. After drilling, push the shaft in to prevent rattling. It is recommended to start at the back of the boat and work your way forward.
As you are drilling out the rivets, be careful not to damage the fiberglass or gelcoat of the boat. It is also important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to ensure your safety during the process. Once all the rivets have been drilled out, you can proceed to the next steps of removing the old rub rail and installing the new one.
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Scrape off excess sealant
Removing the rub rail on a fibreglass boat is a challenging task that requires careful attention to detail. Before installing a new rub rail, it is essential to scrape off any excess sealant from the old one. This step ensures a clean and smooth surface for the new installation, enhancing the overall appearance and functionality of the rub rail. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process of scraping off excess sealant:
Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of a rub rail. A rub rail, also known as a "bang rail," serves to absorb the impact of close encounters with dock pilings. It also covers the joint between the hull and deck of a fibreglass boat. Over time, the rub rail can become worn out due to abrasion and mild bumps, necessitating its replacement.
When preparing to scrape off excess sealant, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a putty knife or a similar scraping tool. It is recommended to use a putty knife as it is specifically designed for scraping and will help you effectively remove the sealant without damaging the underlying surface. Before starting, inspect the rub rail and identify areas with excessive sealant buildup. Pay close attention to the seams and joints, as these areas tend to accumulate more sealant.
Now, with your putty knife in hand, begin the process of scraping. Carefully apply pressure to the knife and glide it along the surface of the rub rail, targeting the excess sealant. Be cautious not to scratch the gelcoat or underlying fibreglass during this process. It is important to work slowly and meticulously to avoid causing any accidental damage to the boat's surface. Take your time and be as precise as possible.
While scraping, it is not necessary to remove all the old sealant. Focus on removing the excess sealant that may hinder the installation of the new rub rail. By removing only the excess, you strike a balance between creating a clean surface and preserving the necessary protection provided by the sealant. Remember to clean off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated underneath the old rub rail using a rag and acetone.
Finally, once you have finished scraping, inspect the surface again to ensure that all excess sealant has been removed. This step ensures that the new rub rail will sit flush against the boat's surface. After completing the scraping process, you can move on to the next steps of the rub rail replacement, such as filling the old screw holes with an epoxy paste and preparing for the installation of the new rub rail.
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Fill old holes with sealant
Filling old screw holes with sealant is an important step in the process of removing and replacing the rub rail on a fiberglass boat. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the holes left by the previous installation are properly sealed and protected from moisture intrusion, which can lead to rot or delamination.
There are several products that can be used to fill the old screw holes, and the choice depends on factors such as the material of the boat (fiberglass, aluminum, or wood), the size of the holes, and whether colour matching is desired. Here are some commonly used options:
- Marine-grade sealant: This is a general term for a variety of sealants specifically designed for marine applications. It is important to choose the right type of marine sealant based on the specific requirements of your boat. For example, a high-strength adhesive like 3M 5200 may be suitable for certain applications but is not necessary for all. Polysulfide and polyether sealants, for instance, should be avoided when working with plastics due to their damaging effects.
- Epoxy putty: This type of putty can be used to fill small holes in aluminum. White Marine-Tex Epoxy Putty is a popular option that can be tinted to match the colour of your boat using Evercoat colouring agents.
- Thickened epoxy: This is a more expensive option, often sold in small tubes. It can be used to fill larger holes and can also be tinted to match the colour of your boat. Brands like Marine Tex are commonly recommended for this purpose.
- Fiberglass resin and gelcoat: This method involves injecting the hole with resin mixed with a low-density filler like colloidal silica and then going over it with gelcoat. This approach ensures that the repair material matches the original material of the boat.
When using epoxy or sealant, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing or drying times. In some cases, you may need to wait a couple of days before proceeding with the next steps of the rub rail replacement process. Additionally, make sure to clean the area and remove any excess sealant or epoxy to ensure a neat and tidy finish.
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Frequently asked questions
First, unscrew the end caps. If your old rub rail has an insert, use a screwdriver to pry the end out, then pull it out of the rub rail. Remove the screws or rivets attaching the rub rail to the hull. If the rub rail is fastened with pop rivets, drill out the rivet head and push the shaft in to prevent rattling.
You will need a screwdriver, a power drill, and a putty knife. You may also need a band saw, a heat gun, and a hacksaw.
Before installing a new rub rail, scrape off any old sealant with a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the gelcoat. Fill the old screw holes with an epoxy paste or resin, then drill new holes for the new rub rail.
