Should top cap screws on a 2015 already be backing out?

[Skippy909]

I was wiping my boat down the other night after getting back from the lake. I was going down the run rail and realized I had several bulges in it. This is my fourth bass boat and new what it was. I've had the boat almost a year and have used it a lot. Isn't it kinda soon for this to be happening? My other boats were a 1999, 2003, and 2007 so I expected it out of them, plus they were used. The boat is a 2015 Z119C, any and all input appreciated.

[howieranger]

That is not all that unusual.

[rchavis]

I would be taking it back to the Dealer .

[mikesxpress]

They always back out. Pull the rub rail, tighten, top with silicone. Some things never change.

[fishfarm]

Welcome to the club. It seems like every 2 to 3 years I'm pulling the rubrail and tightening and and silicone to mine. Get used to it and you'll be a pro at it after a few times

[sabby]

What is the best way to pull the rub rail?

[fishfarm]

I normally work one end out on the rear corner with a screwdriver then pull it straight back and when reinstalling I use a little Dawn dish soap applied to the rubrail and channel. easy as easy

[dean c]

How hard to do the whole rubrail bracket and insert? My rub rail takes a beating on docks and bulk heads.

[Sirius Rich]

What is the best way to pull the rub rail?

I don't know if the method i use is the best, but it works. I take a small flat head screwdriver and work the rub rail out of the channel 6 inches at a time, use a cordless driver to tighten screws and replace the rub rail back into the channel with love taps from a rubber mallet.

[Skippy909]

Look fellas I know how to do it, done it many many times on all my champions. I just thought it was a little premature on a boat that I've had for less than a year (bought as a leftover) and that only has 62 hours on the outboard. Especially when these boats cost what they do. If it's a common deal I'll live with. By the way, a small flat blade screw driver and a can of silicone gets the job done extremely fast. I'll pry out around 2 feet at one time and then move down the boat. If you pull the entire rub rail you always end up with more rub rail than track.

[TopGun21x]

Yep common problem. Did all my screws with 5200.2 years and none have backed out.

[STRETCH1]

I got a 2000 Ranger 520 that I bought new and never had a screw back out on the rub rail. I would be discussing with Ranger or your dealer.

[greendragon]

I have a 2014 119c and no problems with the rub rail besides dock rash. I would take that baby back to the dealer.

[snodogg]

I would think your dealer would warranty the repair but probably just as easy to fix yourself.

To the other post the problem with replacing the entire rub rail multiple times is your boat will end up as swiss cheese. I would keep the original in place for as long as possible.

[Magnus]

Interesting that this is such a problem on the newer boats.

I'm not sure what we did to our '84 ranger, but, I haven't had this issue in 25+ years on the '84.

[ericm]

Interesting that this is such a problem on the newer boats.

I'm not sure what we did to our '84 ranger, but, I haven't had this issue in 25+ years on the '84.

I agree! I beat my 1991 361-V that I bought new like a redheaded step child on Erie for 11 years and never had a rub rail screw back out. My 2006 Z20 was another story!

[Riccochet]

Tip. If you remove the entire rub rail make it easier on yourself when putting it back on. Put the rub rail coiled up in a trash can, throw a little under desk heater in there and cover it. Let it get good and warm. Then feed it out of the can as you put it back on the boat. Makes it nice and pliable, easy to reattach.

[Murrydog]

I was wiping my boat down the other night after getting back from the lake. I was going down the run rail and realized I had several bulges in it. This is my fourth bass boat and new what it was. I've had the boat almost a year and have used it a lot. Isn't it kinda soon for this to be happening? My other boats were a 1999, 2003, and 2007 so I expected it out of them, plus they were used. The boat is a 2015 Z119C, any and all input appreciated.

No problems with 2006 Z-21 ever backing out.

[GaryL]

Interesting that this is such a problem on the newer boats.

I'm not sure what we did to our '84 ranger, but, I haven't had this issue in 25+ years on the '84.

Ya not. My 02,04 and 05 did the same thing. My 05 I pulled rub rail apart every 2-3 years just to tighten screws. I should have put 5200 on them as others have mentioned. If that happens to my 17 520c I will use the 5200 and hope to be done with it.

[CaymasRodney]

How hard to do the whole rubrail bracket and insert? My rub rail takes a beating on docks and bulk heads.

Not to bad, we use a hair dryer if its cool with a rubber mallet to put it back on with, best done when its warm outside though. Not uncommon at all for screws to back out especially in the rough water lakes.