Replacing Rope Rub Rail On Your Crestliner: A Step-By-Step Guide

Rub rails are essential for protecting a boat's hull from damage caused by contact with other boats, docks, or piers. However, they don't last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. This guide will teach you how to replace the rope rub rail on your Crestliner boat, covering everything from removing the old rub rail to installing a new one, ensuring your boat looks and functions at its best.

Removing the old rope rub rail

Begin by unscrewing the end caps of the old rub rail. If your Crestliner boat uses end caps, removing them first will make the rest of the process easier. If your rub rail has an insert, use a screwdriver to pry it out, starting at the transom where the end cap was. You can then pull out the insert from the rub rail. Work your way around the boat, removing the entire insert. If there is a stiffening strip, be sure to remove that as well.

The next step is to remove the screws or rivets that attach the rub rail to the hull of your Crestliner boat. If the rub rail is fastened with pop rivets, use a drill to remove them. Start at the back of the boat and work your way forward. This will ensure that you don't miss any spots. Once all the screws or rivets are removed, carefully unscrew the rub rail from the boat.

After removing the old rub rail, inspect the cap for any screws or rivets that may have been pushed through. Remove these accordingly, but be careful not to remove the screws that secure the cap to the hull. You don't want to accidentally detach the cap.

Before installing the new rub rail, use a putty knife to scrape off any old sealant. Be cautious and ensure that you don't scratch the gelcoat. It is not necessary to remove all the old sealant, just focus on removing the excess. Additionally, you may want to tighten the screws that secure the cap to the hull, as these can loosen over time.

The final step in preparing for the new rub rail is to clean off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated underneath the old rub rail. Acetone is a useful product for this task. Apply it to a rag and carefully wipe down the cap area. It is recommended to wear gloves during this step to protect your hands.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully remove the old rope rub rail on your Crestliner boat and prepare for the installation of the new one.

Cleaning the area

Before installing a new rub rail, it is important to clean the area thoroughly. This will ensure that any dirt or debris that has accumulated under the old rub rail is removed and that the new rail is installed on a clean surface.

To begin, use a putty knife to scrape off any old sealant from the cap area. Be careful not to scratch the gelcoat and focus on removing excess sealant. Next, use a caulking gun with marine-grade sealant to fill in the old screw holes. This will ensure that the new rail has a smooth and even surface to adhere to. Wipe off any excess sealant and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Now, it's time to clean off any dirt and debris that may have built up. Acetone is a useful product for this step. Apply some acetone to a rag and carefully wipe down the cap area. You may want to wear gloves during this step to protect your hands. Make sure to remove any residue or leftover sealant from the old rub rail.

Once the area is clean and dry, you can use a pencil to mark the locations of the screws on the gunwale above. This will help you avoid drilling into these spots later when installing the new rub rail. It is also recommended to check and tighten the screws that secure the cap to the hull. Be careful not to strip the screws when tightening them.

By following these steps, you will have a clean and prepared surface ready for the installation of the new rope rub rail on your Crestliner boat.

Filling old screw holes

When replacing the rope rub rail on a Crestliner boat, you will likely need to fill the old screw holes. This is an important step to ensure the integrity and aesthetics of the vessel. Here is a detailed guide on how to fill old screw holes:

Assess the Size of the Hole

The size of the screw hole will determine the best approach for filling it. For larger holes, a quarter of an inch or more, simply filling them with a compound may not be sufficient. These larger holes can develop a ''halo'', a visible outline that appears due to shrinkage or improper adhesion. In this case, it is better to drill and plug the hole with a matching wooden dowel. For smaller holes, around a sixteenth of an inch, filling directly with a suitable compound is usually safe and effective.

Choose the Right Filling Material

There are a few options for filling materials: polyester-based, vinyl ester-based, or epoxy. Epoxy is often preferred due to its minimal shrinkage, reducing the risk of a halo forming around the filled hole. If using epoxy, mix it to a ketchup-like consistency using silica as a thickener.

Prepare the Surface

Sand the area around each hole to create a slightly dished surface, which will help the filling material adhere better. If the area being repaired is solid fiberglass, this step may be sufficient. However, for cored areas, it is advisable to slightly enlarge the hole with a drill bit to ensure the epoxy has fresh material to bond with. Clean each hole with acetone to remove any contaminants before applying the epoxy.

Fill the Holes

Carefully fill the holes with the chosen filling material. The goal is to fill them completely without creating excess spillage. For smaller holes, using a syringe can offer more precision. If using epoxy, reinforce the area with a layer of fiberglass, such as 1708 fiberglass, applied wet-on-wet over the uncured epoxy for a strong bond.

Allow Curing

After filling and reinforcing the holes, it is crucial to allow sufficient time for the filler to cure fully. Do not rush this process, as it is vital for the repair's integrity. Once cured, the area can be sanded to achieve a smooth, flush finish with the surrounding surface.

By following these steps, you can effectively fill old screw holes when replacing the rope rub rail on your Crestliner boat, ensuring a seamless and durable repair.

Installing the new rope rub rail

To install a new rope rub rail on your Crestliner boat, you'll need to follow these steps:

Begin by uncoiling the new rope rub rail and locating its centre point. Mark this point, ensuring that the lip of the rub rail is at the bottom. Align the centre point with the centre of the bow, and press the lower lip of the rub rail firmly against the lower edge of the deck cap. Drill and install two mounting screws, placing them 2 inches apart on each side of the centre point. Stretch the material and add screws through the pre-drilled holes on each side.

Next, extend the two sections of the rub rail towards the aft, ensuring they sit on top of the gunwales on each side. Check that the rub rail isn't twisted and the lip remains at the bottom. Stretch the sections slightly, then drill and secure each leg of the rub rail with a mounting screw to the deck cap on the aft portion of the transom. This will be temporary. Stretch the rub rail sections outward and over the sheerline on each side for a snug, straight fit.

Now, starting at the bow, work your way aft. Hold the lower rub-rail lip against the lower edge of the deck cap, and sequentially drill 1/8-inch pilot holes through the pre-drilled holes in the rub rail to create mounting holes in the deck cap. Apply marine sealant to each screw before driving it into a hole with a power driver. As you reach the transom turn, remove the screw from the transom while a helper stretches the rail aft. Continue securing the rail around the transom turn and across the stern.

For the insert, start by uncoiling and folding it in two to find the centre point, doing this on a smooth surface to avoid scratching the vinyl. Place the centre point at the bow and drape the two sections on top of the gunwales. Working from the bow and moving aft, set the insert's bottom leg into the bottom groove in the rail. Use a dead-blow mallet to tap the insert and seat it in place, working in small sections at a time until you reach the end of the transom.

Finally, mount the end caps. Trim the rub rail and insert about 3/8 inch short of the transom edge using a razor knife or pruning shears. Peel back the insert and install the final screw, then reinstall the insert. Position the cap and use the mounting holes as guides to drill pilot holes. Secure the end caps with the supplied screws.

If your boat doesn't have a notched transom, you'll need a different type of finishing piece, such as a rub-rail splice cap.

Finishing touches

You're almost done! You've removed the old rub rail, cleaned the area, and installed the new rub rail. Now it's time to put the finishing touches on your Crestliner boat.

First, make sure to double-check your work. Go around the boat and inspect the new rub rail to ensure it's securely attached and there are no gaps or loose spots. Give it a gentle tug in several places to make sure it's firmly in place.

Next, you'll want to tidy up the area. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the rub rail and remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during the installation process. You can also use this opportunity to give the rest of the boat a quick clean, inside and out, to really make it shine.

If you're happy with the installation and the overall appearance of your boat, it's time to put everything back in its place. Reattach any accessories or fittings that you removed before starting the project. This may include items such as fishing rod holders, cleats, or navigation lights. Take your time and ensure that everything is securely fastened.

Finally, take a step back and admire your handiwork. You've successfully replaced the rope rub rail on your Crestliner boat! It's now ready to be taken out on the water and put to good use. Remember to perform regular maintenance checks on your boat, including the rub rail, to ensure its longevity.

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