rubrail

dgray · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 8:15 pm Post subject: rubrail

My rubrail is coming losse and hull is starting to seprate from top cap. Looking for the fix ? HELP!!!!! dgray

thataway · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 9:37 pm Post subject:

If the hull to deck joint is separating, you need some immediate assistance. I am not sure about this particular boat. But generally the C Dories are a semi shoe box hull to deck joint. The rub rail covers rivets on the outside. The way that most of the C Dories are made, is that the hull to deck joint is pop riveted thru the rub rail, then the inside is glassed over with at least a layer of cloth and resin. Some boats look like they may have been glassed then the railing put in place later, then the rivets smoothed on the inside and some filler (epoxy) on the inside.

See if you have loose pop rivets. The rubber inset in the railing is easily removed--and replaced if necessary. I would pull it, and check to see the condition of the rivets. If the rivets are pulling out (they may work thru the glass with time or they may have been right at the edge of the hull and pull up). Probably the best thing to do is to drill new rivet holes, put in new rivets and then put glass over the inside (I would grind down the old glass at the hull to deck joint, then reglass with epoxy and a layer of 12 oz biaxial cloth. If there is no substance to the hull at the upper part, then do the glass first, then pop rivet the railing. put small patches of glass and epoxy, then fair with filler over the pup rivets on the inside of the hull, and then paint over on the inside. If the rub rail material is still resiliant (my 1992 was still a year ago), push it back in place with broad blade screw drivers tapped in place, as you pull it aft. Either a screw or cap at the aft end will hold it in place. Silicone sealant may be necessary around the pop rivets--I would use the Boat Life, Life caulk there.

dgray

thataway · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:14 pm Post subject:

Doug,
Put some photos in your album and that will give us a lot more information and probably will help us make suggestions to give a good repair. It will take some time, but as most repairs make the boat a better boat and probably last forever!

mikeporterinmd · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:22 pm Post subject:

My rivets are pulling out on one side. I was thinking of through-bolting
the rail back on. No hull-deck issues. Thoughts? I am not particularly
worried. Hopefully the rail will stay largely attached so I can deal with this
in the winter.

Mike

captd · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 5:43 pm Post subject:

djrey,
Sounds to me like you made a classic mistake. You allowed something to rub against the rub rail. Anytime I did that with the Hunky Dory, the rail started poping out. The rub rail is designed for looks, to cover the seam. and the pop rivits as they slowly pop out. Like a clean white shirt over a dirty T-shirt.
captd

thataway · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 6:26 pm Post subject:

The pop rivets should really have washers on the inside of them. Then there is much more surface to bear on. As it is, the pop rivets tend to work and expand the hole and then pull out. Some boats screw into wooden backing--I feel that the pop rivets are a good way to go, as long as they are properly treaded afterward.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:47 am Post subject:

Are the pop rivets aluminum?

If so, and they easily pull out, they could be replaced with Monel or stainless rivets with backing washers.

Joe.