Remove the fiberglass caps on rub rail

Ivan Awfulitch · Post by **Ivan Awfulitch** » Tue May 20, 2008 5:17 pm

I've searched the site to find information about replacing the rub rail. The one thing I can't find is how to remove the 2 fiberglass stern caps that secure the rub rail. The boat is 2 hours away in storage and won't be pulled out until the weekend. Can anyone please let me know how to remove these caps to replace the rail so I make sure I have all the tools I need with me.

Thanks!

pokerrick1 · Post by **pokerrick1** » Tue May 20, 2008 10:15 pm

Tools need to replace rub rail on an

;

2 screwdrivers

3 people

A LOT of patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Replacing the rub rail is a LOT more job than it looks like!

Rick

waternwaves · Post by **waternwaves** » Wed May 21, 2008 6:37 am

a bucket of hot water helped also

R Rae · Post by **R Rae** » Wed May 21, 2008 11:29 am

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... hlight=Mac

This hopefully gets you to some useful information. Should it not work, then do a search
on 'Rub Rail Damage' (click all terms) and use Cary in the author box.

Also, removing the two end caps requires a little care, along with two large screwdrivers.

ModsNote:
Thx Rae ... spelling corrections in the original thread,
plus your search instructions .... just for future clarity. ~fc

pokerrick1 · Post by **pokerrick1** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:20 pm

What Waterwaves said

- - - but try to stay OUT OF IT!

Rick

beene · Post by **beene** » Thu May 22, 2008 5:07 am

I'd substitute a keg of beer for that bucket of hot water... but that's just me.

Rick did say you needed 3 people.... they will get thirsty.... just thinking of their safety.....

G

Ivan Awfulitch · Post by **Ivan Awfulitch** » Thu May 22, 2008 2:11 pm

pokerrick1 wrote:Tools need to replace rub rail on an ;

2 screwdrivers

3 people

A LOT of patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Replacing the rub rail is a LOT more job than it looks like!

Rick

Thanks to all that replied. Lots of information on replacement, but in every post I found they didn't mention how to remove those fiberglass caps. Wasn't sure if they were carefully pried off or if there was some mechanical connection. I'll give it a shot and hope that all goes well. I look at this being a 2 hour job, give or take an hour.

Edit: Used a hot air gun, 2 thin long screwdrivers, and in less than 20 minutes both caps were off in 1 piece. The rest of the rail was easy. Now to wait a day or 2 for some warmer weather (only 50 degrees today) to replace the rubber. Thanks again!

Impulse26 · Post by **Impulse26** » Wed May 28, 2008 11:34 am

Ivan or anyone,

Can you tell me where you got your replacement rub rail? I have emailed six places including dealers who advertise on this web sight and have gotten zero responses. I went to a MAC dealer who took my name and phone number, but never called back. I went to the offical MAC supplier, no response. I even searched here for rub rail references on this site, got 1382 results but not one had a source for the new rail.

Thanks!
Wayne

John McDonough · Post by **John McDonough** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:49 pm

Ivan..

I recall seing you 26X next to Albion. didnt notice any damage to the rail.

Many years ago I help a friend install a rubber rail on his small motorboat. I remember it appeared to be too short and required quite a bit of stretching and cursing..

As mentioned above soak the new rubber rail in very hot water to soften and help stretch. Make sure its a hot day. Find the middle spot and start at the bow and work back both sides. or mark the middle and when you start working it you will know you are intstalling it equally.

Be careful not to get little slivers of figerglass on your skin or you will have to change your name to "Ive an awful itch"..

Good Luck..I may see you in late August..Maybe..

Ivan Awfulitch · Post by **Ivan Awfulitch** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:36 pm

John McDonough wrote:Ivan..

I recall seing you 26X next to Albion. didnt notice any damage to the rail.

Many years ago I help a friend install a rubber rail on his small motorboat. I remember it appeared to be too short and required quite a bit of stretching and cursing..

As mentioned above soak the new rubber rail in very hot water to soften and help stretch. Make sure its a hot day. Find the middle spot and start at the bow and work back both sides. or mark the middle and when you start working it you will know you are intstalling it equally.

Be careful not to get little slivers of figerglass on your skin or you will have to change your name to "Ive an awful itch"..

Good Luck..I may see you in late August..Maybe..

John,

The previous owner hung the anchor from the pulpit and put 4 really large dings in it. I on the other hand hit the dock post a few times and opened up a small hole on the starboard side as well. Overall things went well and the job came out looking great. An added benefit is that whatever was leaking on the starboard side into the bilge is no longer leaking.

The toughest thing was getting it set at the bow, and I finally made up a small jig with some thin lumber and some aluminum bar to hold it in place while the 4200 setup. I also got the new Ida rudders installed so hopefully we'll get in in the water this weekend if the weather cooperates. Albion is planning to get his in in the next week or so as well. Hope to see you this summer.

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Remove the fiberglass caps on rub rail

Remove the fiberglass caps on rub rail

Tools

Hot Water

Re: Tools

Replacement rub rail