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Rub Rail, Insert, Stainless Steel Screws, Silicone Sealant, Safety Goggles
Tape Measure, Variable Speed Drill, Drill Bits, Caulking Gun, Hack Saw, Heat Gun
Have one person heat the rail and the other slowly bend it around and avoid forcing the material due to inadequate heat.
Before installing the rest of the rub rail, put it up in position and check to see if any pre-drilled holes line up with filled holes. You will be able to adjust the hole location by cutting off several inches from the end that butts up to the previously installed piece
Before bending, if the rub rail takes an insert, install about 6" of insert into the bend site to keep the channel from collapsing or losing shape during bending but do not cut it off the roll.
Aluminum rub rail is available in 12’ and 20’ lengths with holes pre-drilled every 6”. Some aluminum rub rails incorporate vinyl inserts, while others do not.
Place masking tape above or below where the rub rail will go. Mark where the new holes are going to be located, or mark where the filled holes are so as to avoid them.
Note: This should be the first step in all rub rail installations.
Place the center of the first length on the bow. If a mounting hole is already there, move it to one side 3”.
Press the rub rail against the hull until you come back to one end.
If any of the holes line up with the filled holes, try adjusting the rub rail a few inches one way or the other. Avoid a hole within two inches of either side of the bow.
Drill through the pre-drilled holes with a drill bit smaller than the screw.
Continue this process up to the bend at the bow.
Bend the rub rail around the bow by applying steady pressure with one hand while you lightly tap the rub rail with a rubber mallet where you want it to bend.
Complete the installation of the rest of the rub rail.
Continue this process until you come back to the other end of the length you installed at the bow. Measure the last length carefully so that it fits tightly and install the screws.