Rub Rail

[Jasmid53]

I think I'm using the correct term for the black cap that covers the seam of the boat. If not someone can correct me. I am in the process of restoring my new to me 16 footer. I removed the rub rail so I could paint the hull. Now that it's painted the rub rail is about an inch too short. I couldn't pull it, I tried using a hand roller hoping that might stretch it enough. Nope. So now I have the stern piece near the wood stove thinking that the heat will expand it and or soften it enough that I pull it to the correct length. I would like to know if anyone else has been down this road and how did you solve.it?

I've thought of hanging each piece from a tree and attaching some weights to slowly stretch it. Or using a come-along to slowly stretch the rail.

[JBC]

There are several discussions of this topic on this site. Search for rub rail and these should turn up. As for my experience, heating the rub rail works pretty well. I took off mine and reattached after laying them out on a hot driveway for a few hours in the summer heat. Stretched enough to go back to original position easily.

Jett

[JTMeissner]

I had to get the rubrail back on this spring after reassembling the boat, and an inch or so short is about accurate.  So, besides heating with a heat gun (localized) or laying out in the sun (time of year works against you), I also found that attempting to run it from end to end was the longest path from bow to stern. 

My technique involved assembling the stern connection, draping the rail up over the coaming across the deck to the bow.  By myself, I was able to use a set of vice grips on the end of the rail, pull it forward, and jam in the bolt/machine screw to secure it.  It was a fairly simple matter of pulling the rail into place and tapping it flush, and you can use a bar to lever the rail back on if needed (sorta like using a tire lever on a bike)

A beefy friend would be helpful, pulling and aligning the holes of the rail and deck was hard single-handed.

-Justin

[jim1440]

I used my ratcheting tiedown straps betweeen two trees on a sunny (but coolish day - 50-60 degrees). Held it there all day long and tightened it a couple times. Only be ready to dash and install quickly when you untension it.

I posted pictures of my process in the Compac 19 thread back in March/April.

Good luck!

Jim

[Jasmid53]

Good tips from everyone. I think I'll postpone installing them till the weather gets warmer. I won't be sailing her for awhile.

[mikew]

I replaced the rub rail on my used 1983 Compac and bought a replacement from the factory. Like the other folks said they advised to leave out in hot sun and try again. It worked great! Of course the factory has that nice Florida sun to work with. If you don't want to wait until next summer maybe warm up the material in a vat of hot water. ? Just a thought.

Mike