Curved rub strake

[BillyK]

Hello,
I need to add a rub strake on the bow of my 45' Chris Craft. The one that is there has a curve in it. Does anyone know where these are available? I need two.
Thanks,
Billy K.

 

[pdecat]

Need more information. Rubber rails are available search for boat rub rail

 

[BillyK]

It's a stainless steel 36" curved strake I'm trying to find.

https://imgur.com/aB9pfk0

Thanks,
Billy K.

 

[pdecat]

Probably just a straight piece that is bent to conform to the location

https://tacomarine.com/stainless-steel-rub-rail

 

[BillyK]

Thanks, but it's flat with a curve. Appreciate your thoughts.
Billy K.

 

[pdecat]

You don’t think you could bend it?

 

[BillyK]

They are too thick to bend without a crimp or look cockeyed. I'm sure someone somewhere has them, it's probably like finding a needle in a haystack. If I put down the straight strakes, no one will notice but me.
Thanks,
Billy K.

 

[Sandy]

I'd start with about a 4' length, set up a target bend-shape jig with little more pronounced bend than I want to end up with as there should be a little spring-back.

Heat the SS stock with a Mapp torch, and make the bend, pulling both ends with the stock held flat on the bottom by means of a top to the jig.
Then cut to (36"?) length , shape the ends as desired, clean & passivate the SS.

Or you could take your stock to any metal fabricator. welder. machinist, with a full-scale drawing.

It would help to have a helper with another torch for more-evenly-spread heat.

 

[pdecat]

I dont think the boat makers went to all that trouble. It may not be that hard to bend.

 

[Sandy]

I'm pretty sure you are correct, Bruce. Especially with good bending equipment, cold bending should be pretty quick and easy. It's not much of a bend. And in the pic, it looks like doesn't conform perfectly. I doubt per-bent rub strakes could be found for boats not still in production if that is the case.

Any larger boatyard should be able to configure those pieces, for a price.

 

[pdecat]

I would remove the old one and using it as a pattern put nails into a board to bend around. Any spring can be adjusted while screwing it in place. The maker may well have fastened the center and bent it to each succeeding screw.

 

[BillyK]

Looking at it again this morning, whoever bent it, if it was done that way did a very smooth job. I'm not going to get it right without screwing up a couple first. Like I said earlier, no one is going to notice but me. I'll have to get over it.
I also have a large list of other things to take care of on the boat. Thanks for the ideas.

Billy K.