replacing DS I rub rail

[pnichols]

I am deep into a restore of my DS I and about to replace the rub rail and some under rail. I purchased a new rub rail and 4' of rigid under rail from D&R Marine. I have a few cracked and broken places on the old under rail to replace before installing the new rub rail.

I could really benefit from any advice from anyone who has replaced the under rail and/or the rub rail.

What did you use to attached the under rail? The existing under rail is secured with large stainless staples. What techniques and/or difficulties did you have with installing the new rub rail?

Thanks

[djd]

A few years ago I pulled my rub rail off to make repairs on the fiberglass. Some broken under track sections were replaced with pop rivets. (Stainless or aluminum? Can't remember.)

I started the rub rail at the bow and worked back along one side then the other. Worked a little at a time, pulling and stretching. "Tapped" (pounded actually - but not too hard) it into the backing rail with a white rubber mallet and my hand. To stretch it tight, I used one of those ratchet type cargo straps. I think I taped one hook of the strap to the loose end of the rub rail, went around the transom and attached the other hook to the cleat on the opposite side.

Helps if it is a warm/hot day. Leave it in the sun or use a heat gun to soften.
Easier than I thought it would be.
Dennis

[K.C. Walker]

The videos on this page might help http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/us ... eplacement .

KC