Rub rail replacement

[abutkus03]

Read in an article that the author replaced his rub rail on a CD using threaded SS bolds instead of screws. Can that really be done? If so, what is the best way to do it?

[mashenden]

Probably, but it seems like a lot of extra work if there is interior stuff in the way. I can't say I've heard of screws failing in great numbers. If one strips, a bit of epoxy and a bamboo skewer makes for a reasonably easy fix. If doing a full replacement I would fill all of the holes with thickened epoxy and drill new ones, using screws as the fastener.

That all said, I may be missing something that bolts add, making it worth the extra effort.

[John Stone]

Read in an article that the author replaced his rub rail on a CD using threaded SS bolds instead of screws. Can that really be done? If so, what is the best way to do it?

I have wondered the same thing. Installing a toerail is on my long term project list for the Far Reach. Seems to me you might be able to drill and tap threads for the bolts. No nuts. On the CDs the rub-rail screws are installed through the inward turning flange so they don’t (in a perfect world) exit the hull inside the boat. When I removed the rub rail to glass over the hull-deck joint I removed all those fasteners and filled the holes with epoxy and covered the whole mess with biaxial tape.

There is little tension on the fasteners. They are mostly in compression when impact occurs. It’s an interesting idea.