Rub rail repair ideas?

[erikbythesea]

I had to remove my rub rail to resecure it after a bad noreaster tore the bumpers off my boat and it banged it up against the dock. I have the rubber style rubrail with the rope insert. Once I removed the rope, there is a plastic strip inside, probably 1/8 inch thick by 3/4 inch wide that stops the screws from piercing the rubber. this strip was shattered and came out in a bunch of small pieces. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas of something similar to use to replace this.

[scook]

Aluminum bar stock that size is a possibility. Bends easily and is easy to drill. If the boat’s in salt, corrosion could be a problem though unless you can find some marine grade aluminum.

[13Echo70271]

maybe a roll of kitchen countertop trim, formica or plastic etc

[SkunkBoat]

stainless washers on the screws

[scook]

Skunk - I thought about that but wondered if a strip of something is needed to hold the rubber down tight to the boat between the screws.

[erikbythesea]

Thanks for the ideas. Salt water is an issue with aluminum for me. Also dont think that the washers will give an even distribution. Im thinking formica would shatter even if pre drilled. Got a couple weeks to keep thinking.

[SkunkBoat]

cut some plastic drywall corner bead or vinyl siding channel...there is something cheap in Home Depot that will work

[scook]

The vinyl siding (maybe double it if it needs to be stiffer) sounds hopeful. I don’t know what it would cost but a sheet metal shop could shear some strips of stainless steel and punch holes for the screws if it’s too hard to drill - I’ve seen stainless that was impossible to drill and some that wasn’t bad - the shop would know.

[oteps]

I used stuff before for other projects that was a thin strap of plastic with holes every couple inches. About 3/4 wide, came in a roll maybe 25 ft. They make metal too, the plastic is not hard so u can bend it around. Look in the plumbing section. A lot of people use it to hold up the drain pipes in a house. Maybe that will work for you.

[SkunkBoat]

Originally Posted by oteps

I used stuff before for other projects that was a thin strap of plastic with holes every couple inches. About 3/4 wide, came in a roll maybe 25 ft. They make metal too, the plastic is not hard so u can bend it around. Look in the plumbing section. A lot of people use it to hold up the drain pipes in a house. Maybe that will work for you.

GOOD ONE! Like I said..there is something in home depot you an use...All of my projects involve wandering around HD looking for something that will work...