Replacing Rub Rail Insert

M

mls

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Joined
Dec 30, 2007
RO Number
29156
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3
Looking for advice. I'm restoring a 1983 Sea Ray and before I got it someone had removed the rubber insert in the rub rail. I have bought a 50' replacement roll but wondered if anyone had any tips for replacing it. Thought I might try a hair dryer to heat it first then squeeze it in. What do you all think.

Mike S.
 
I have used soapy water like they use when putting tires on the rim. It will be a lot easier if it is warm outside. Make sure that you do not stretch the inset during installation. Just a slight bit of stretch will lead to the inserter becoming too short in a month or so.
 
Use a heat gun to heat the insert. The hair dryer may not get hot enough. Its easier with 2 people...as one person heats the rubber, the other pushes it in.
 
And a rubber mallet for tapping. That John Greveskis guy has an entire show dedicated to replacing that rubber insert. Might try renting it or purchasing from his website.
 
or return it and buy some neat white twist nylon rope (5/8'-3/4") with red or blue threads in it and use 3M 4000UV to attach it inside the rail frame. Not as durable as the black rubber with bumping docks, etc., but looks better.
Buzz
 
Easy job, just get the inset warm and if needed use a heat gun and a small screw driver (like a fishing reel screwdriver) to tuck the lip inside the rail. Don't stretch it for the alerady mentioned reasons.
 
Have the boat in the sun when you install it. Makes it a lot easier and you don't have to hold a heat gun while trying to manipulate the rubber insert.
 
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