1973 KATAMA Install Wider Rub Rail

[73 Katama]

Hello, I have a 1973 KATAMA that I have owned since 1990. Since 2009 the KATAMA boat has been sitting. In 2020 the time has arrived to renew or restore the KATAMA to at least some level of glory.

I replaced the rub rail many years ago, but replacement is due again. The rub rail is cracked in several places on the port side, and I don’t recall how it happened as there were no hard hits on it.

The current (OEM) KATAMA Rub Rail is 1-1/2-inch, but the gunwale mounting width is 2-inches. The rub rail for the the larger boats is 1-15/16-inch, so it would fit according to those measurements.

Has anyone tried fitting a wider rub rail from another Boston Whaler boat model to a KATAMA?

The cross sectional view provided by the manufacture for the 1-1/2 and 1-15/16 inch appears identical.

Will there be problems when attaching the new wider rub rail?

Considering the new rub rail will be two-piece and the old rub rail was three-piece, what was and how was the final fitment?

Any wisdom you may share will be greatly appreciated.

[biggiefl]

A wider rubrail is not necessary. You need the 3 piece as the 3rd piece is what mates the newer style rubrail to your older hull. The cost of a larger rubrail is almost double of what is recommended.

[Phil T]

If you want more gunwale protection, upgrade your fenders to a 5" diameter fender like below.

https://shop.hamiltonmarine.com/products/fender-g-navy-blue-5-5--x-20--twin-eye-26627.html