On a windy day last weekend I hit the dock and put a gash in my rub rail. Does anyone know what I can use to try and fill the gash with?
On a windy day last weekend I hit the dock and put a gash in my rub rail. Does anyone know what I can use to try and fill the gash with?
If it is plastic i have not seen anyone fill it....i would think you will have to replace it if its that bad???
If it is the rub rail itself, Rollo is right. If it is just the insert, you can replace it or possibly slice in a piece, if you have a perfect match. I tore my insert last year and was able to splice in a piece of leftovers that I had. I can hardly notice it.
Modified \'92 Procraft 170 Combo/\'97 Johnson 130<U></U>
Here are some pics so you guys can see what I'm talking about.
I can't see what is damaged...is it just me try taking it with the flash...
I did take them with flash. Try adjusting the brightness on your monitor. Your monitor may be too dark.
Definately rub rail damage. The only way it will look good again is to replace the whole rub rail.
Modified \'92 Procraft 170 Combo/\'97 Johnson 130<U></U>
Has anyone here ever replaced their insert before? Mine is beat to sh*t and could use replacing!!!
Most inserts are just forced into the rub rail opening and held in place by the rub rail itself. You should just be able to start on the motor end and pull the insert out as you work around the boat. It is not very difficult to remove or replace.
Modified \'92 Procraft 170 Combo/\'97 Johnson 130<U></U>
First....I'd be willing to bet that if you don't tell anyone about it no one will hardly notice.
Next...About the only thing I know you could fill it with would be some form of a black silicone type sealant that sets up relatively hard. But, I think that's just going to make it stand out even more.
From the looks of your boat, it appears to be relatively new or extremely well kept. If it's new, I assume this is your first "Battle Scar". I think there should be a support group started for those who have received their first "Battle Scar". The basic thing to understand is that there is life after the first scar, and the reason they call it the first, is that, if you plan on using your boat...you'll get more. If it makes you feel any better, any seasoned used boat buyer can tell the difference between a boat that hasn't been taken care of and one that has. I don't think a scuff on the rubrail is going to deter anyone or significantly reduce the value of your boat. Although, all of us who have experienced the first battle scar understand your pain.
All kidding aside....about the only way I see to fix your problem is to replace the entire rubrail and rubrail insert. I've had to repair mine a time, but never completely replace it. If you pull out the insert, you'll see that the rubrail is held in place by a Zillion self-tapping screws. Well, maybe not a Zillion...but, I think you have a screw about every 8-10 inches. You'll have to remove the insert and all the screws in the rubrail which I believe are all siliconed. You'll then need to run new rub railing starting from either the port or starboard side of the transom. Since I've never replaced one, I can't tell you if the rubrail comes pre-punched with all the bolt holes in it...If not, it will be a pain to drill your holes in the rubrail in exactly the same spot as the existing holes. Also, you may need a heat gun to help soften the rubber and make it conform better to the bends around the transom and bow. Once you've put in all the bolts (and don't forget the silicone) you can then run the insert which should be the easiest part of the install. Then you are back to new. I've never priced rubrail, but I would assume that if you do it yourself...surely it could be done for less than $500.
Call your dealer and see if they can get the insert from the factory if you really want to fix it. Measure the distance all the way around the rub rail and then add a couple of feet. When installing either start at the transom on one side or fold the insert in half and start at the bow and work down each side. It is hard to se in the pics how bad it really is. As has been said, it's your first battle scar. We all know they hurt.
Larry Fitzgerald
2024 Tracker V-175 /115 Merc
2021 Silverado/ 4 Banger
That's just plastic and can't be filled.
Forget about it. You'll get more and probably worse if you're really out there trying to get where the bass are.
Harbour Freight sells a plastic welder, that is the only thing I know of the might work.
R. C.
R. C.
Thanks for all the advice guys. This is my first battle scar and I'm sure I get more. I was just hoping to prolong it a little longer than 2 months, oh well I guess. I took a knife and trimmed it up a little bit. It looks a little better now. I'm just going to leave it for now and maybe try and do something with it this winter. Thanks again everyone
i could see the damage either. if the rub rail is not totally cut thru, you can get a urthane rubber kit form a good auto paint shop. its a two part mix thru an isostatic mixer. form a small mold on the rail and inject the urathane in the viod. it cures in under 5 minutes to afirm urathane rubber.
Cool, I'll have to try that. Thanks for the info.
I replaced the rubrail insert on my Ranger 520 last month. Wasn't that hard at all, took me about 45 minutes to do it all the way around. Ordered it from Ranger.
How much did the rub rail for your Ranger cost?
MY rub rail is round. If yours is try turning the damaged area around.
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