I know there is an older thread discussing the installation of a new rubrail, but I just did mine today and thought I would pass on some tips.
First, I'll say that for about $250 this purchase was well worth it. My old rubrail had seen better days, as it had gone from the original tan to a weathered shade of brown. I ordered a new one in gray from Catalina Direct. If I had the money and inclination, it wouldn't have been a bad idea to replace the metal railing as well, but that would have turned this into a $1000, 2 day long project.
Some installation tips:
Use a white mallet (I bought one from Lowes for $10). Someone suggested putting a sock over a black one, but when I tried it, the material in the sock actually left an imprint on the rubrail.
Catalina Direct suggested putting the plastic extrusion in a bucket of warm water, but I found this impractical, and for the most part unnecessary. I poured hot water on it when installing it on a corner which worked well.
Pour a little soapy water on it before hammering it in place. This is probably the most effective way to get it in the metal railing.
I started from the stern and worked my way around from there. The whole thing took me about 3 hours, if not just a little more, and I have to admit I am worn out. Having said all that I think it was time well spent.
My last tip would be, when complete with the installation, to grab a beer, step back, and enjoy the results!!
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
I sure appreciate the effort to share your instructions, but please be complete next time.
What kind of beer? ;)
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
I was imagining that you had to begin at the stern and SLIDE it into the track and all around the boat (thus the need to make it slippery). So what you're saying is that you can just "tap" it in as you go, no sliding necessary? The "sliding" method sounded awful, so I'm happy if you say I'm wrong about it.
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
[QUOTE=dejavu;2945]I was imagining that you had to begin at the stern and SLIDE it into the track and all around the boat (thus the need to make it slippery). So what you're saying is that you can just "tap" it in as you go, no sliding necessary? The "sliding" method sounded awful, so I'm happy if you say I'm wrong about it.[/QUOTE]
"Tapping" is one word for it, another word I might use would be to "whack" the crap out of it! :D It takes a fair amount of force. Have fun, and let me know how it goes...
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
I better buy the BIG mallet.:D
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
Well, I got my rubrail installed. Much less daunting than I imagined, but the bow is a bit nasty with the anchor roller in the way. Sure looks better than the nasty old tan colored one.
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
[QUOTE=dejavu;3115]Well, I got my rubrail installed. Much less daunting than I imagined, but the bow is a bit nasty with the anchor roller in the way. Sure looks better than the nasty old tan colored one.[/QUOTE]
Pictures or it never happened! ;)
Bill
s/v Lucky
1984 MK I Hull #266
San Antonio, Texas
[QUOTE=wfahey;3116]Pictures or it never happened! ;)[/QUOTE]
Voila!
[ATTACH]165[/ATTACH]
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
Very nice Mike. :cool:
Bill
s/v Lucky
1984 MK I Hull #266
San Antonio, Texas
Looking good!! As far as bang for the buck, I think this is one of my favorite projects!
Tobaygo
1987 Catalina 36 MKI
#660
Tampa Bay, FL
Thanks Mike for the tips on the installation of the new rub rail. The final looked great! I think I will do the same, but will wait until next summer here in North Carolina because of the warm weather to help it to be more pliable. Did you happen to shop the price anywhere else?
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B
[QUOTE=ProfDruhot;3146]Thanks Mike for the tips on the installation of the new rub rail. The final looked great! I think I will do the same, but will wait until next summer here in North Carolina because of the warm weather to help it to be more pliable. Did you happen to shop the price anywhere else?[/QUOTE]
Well actually, it was Akorinek who provided the tips, but thanks. You're right about the warm weather. After unwinding it all, I let it lay out in the sun to soften up a bit. As it got cooler in the afternoon I noticed it stiffening up. I just went to CD because it was easy. I imagine Catalina Parts might carry it, but I didn't check prices.
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
Glenn,
Another tip that was told to me that worked really well is to put the new rubrail on the back deck inside your car on a sunny day. Within an hour or so the rubrail was soft and pliable, and easy to work with. Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
I joined the rubrail replacement club yesterday! I made sure to have a clear headed rubber mallet. That was the key. I made sure the lower edge was in place and then hammered on the upper half and it popped in. I also used a heat gun to heat the rubrail a bit when I got to tricky areas (like the bow). The only other problem I had was where the rubrail aluminum was damaged. I hadn't noticed before but there were some areas that had taken some real damage. I know the prior owner kept the boat in a marina with concrete pilings and I suspect he didn't use enough bumpers. In retrospect I shouldh have replaced the aluminum for those sections but in the end with heat and a lot of fussing I was able to get by.
I tried the large bucket with warm soapy water but found that not to be practical either.
So my advice: Mallet with clear head. Patience. Look over the track and consider replacing damaged areas while you are doing it.
Mike and Sarah Dickinson
Mes Trois Filles
Holland, MI
C36 / 1984 / Hull 0219