posted 07-29-2012 11:14 AM ET (US)        

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In the process of putting my Whaler on the lift yesterday, the uprights caught the rub rail in a couple of small places and caused a separation. I notice that underneath the separations (each about 6 inches) there appears to be a stainless steel screw protruding about half an inch.

Is there a trick to getting the rail to reseat onto the screw? I'm thinking about getting a large hammer to try to get the rail reseated, but I'm wondering if I should place some glue or adhesive underneath first--if so, what kind?

posted 07-31-2012 08:34 AM ET (US)            

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Jack,
I'm assuming you are referring to the black rub rail has come out of the white channel in some areas. Also, there are SS screws that you can see holiding the white channel to the hull that are protruding about a half inch.

Or, has the white channel separated from the hull?

posted 07-31-2012 08:40 AM ET (US)            

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If the rub rail vinyl insert takes a hard blow, it is common to see the rub rail vinyl insert become dislodged from the plastic receiver track.

To return the rub rail vinyl insert to the plastic receiver track after it has become dislodged, I recommend the following procedure:

--use a heat gun to warm the vinyl insert of the rub rail; as the vinyl insert becomes warmer it will become much more pliant;

--once the vinyl insert for the rub rail is sufficient warm and pliant, guide the insert back into the receiver track of the rub rail; this can typically be done with just the pressure of your hand.

If the black vinyl insert of the rub rail has become discolored, you can sometimes restore the finish by wet sanding with 400-grit emery cloth and using WD-40 as the wetting agent.

posted 07-31-2012 05:37 PM ET (US)            

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I have had several of the rivets holding my rub rail fail over the years. I filled the rivet holes with epoxy and put new screws in them. This did not come out as strong as I would like, I think marine tex would be better than epoxy here. I have used marine text for this type of thing in the past and I was happier with that result, but you do have to drill marine tex before putting the screw in. The hard part is keeping the material in the hole while it cures. My best solution so far is to cover the hole with tape, then sneak the material into the hole with a syringe. Protect the side of your boat, at some point some material might run out and you don't want it stuck all over your boat.

The center of the rub rail pulls out exposing the screws or rivets. It can be a bugger to put back, but I did not have to heat anything. Slip one edge of the middle rail into the outer rubber, then with some force slide the inner piece up and down as you press it in. Once you get the hang of it you will make good progress, but you might learn some new words along the way. ;)

posted 08-03-2012 11:25 AM ET (US)            

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Interestingly I don't see an insert on the rail--the entire rail is separated. Is there a way to post photos on this forum?

In any case, I guess I should educate myself. Is the rail actually a two piece structure with an outer piece that more or less snaps on to an inner rail that is screwed to the hull? That's what I seem to be gleaning from these responses, yet when I looked at it originally it seemed to be a one piece structure.

Thanks as always for the advice.