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Rub Rail repair

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by BoulderGT3, May 12, 2017.

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  1. BoulderGT3, May 12, 2017
    #1
    BoulderGT3

    BoulderGT3 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2014
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    Ftl
    I've got some minor dents in one section of rub rail. The boat rode up on the piling fenders at king tide. Anyways, they're not bad and they are all in a 15' section. The rail is standard 1" x 1/4" with 6" center countersunk holes.

    I've only been able to find 12' sections which means I'd have to put another joint in it which I don't want to do. Can any body hammer this out in FTL or is it always a replace? Thanks.

    1 (6).jpg
  2. Capt J, May 13, 2017
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Try G+S welding, they're back behind lesters off of 3rd ave I think it is.
  3. Capt Ralph, May 13, 2017
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Replace it with solid D bar, not the hollow D bar that dents in.
  4. C team, May 19, 2017
    #4
    C team

    C team Senior Member

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    Yep, that's the trick for stopping dents. I don't know why Post used hollow D bar on lots of their boats. You see a lot of them with little dents around the wide part of the bow flare.
  5. Norseman, May 19, 2017
    #5
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Agree on solid rails, I installed those on my sailboat and after 10 years they looked brand new despite my attempts at denting them every time I docked:)
  6. Metatron, May 19, 2017
    #6
    Metatron

    Metatron New Member

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    Well, there is an advantage to hollow. If it gets hit, the rail will dent and may not transfer the shock to the hull and damage the hull. Obviously, a heavy hit may damage the hull both hollow and solid. Dunno, hollow may be better - or not. I would rather replace the rub rail than fix the hull.
  7. Capt Ralph, May 19, 2017
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    A solid D rail will protect the boat better.
    If a hit gets past a solid D rail and hurts the boat, it was one heck of a hit.

    Lets reviewed the only advantage of a hollow D rail; IT'S CHEAP.
    So you can replace it more often.

    My 1978 Bertram has solid Original D rails.
    No dents and I lean on piles often.
  8. Pascal, May 19, 2017
    #8
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It's a rub rail. It s supposed to rub and you're supposed to be able to lean on it. Shouldn't be hollow. And yes the structure behind the rail should be able to withstand pressure and the occasional reasonable hit without cracking or leaking

    My 1970 Hatteras has solid Original D rails.
    No dents and i too lean on piles often. :)