Rub Rails

[Standing Room Only]

I went with the TACO stainless rub rail. It "may" bend after a sharp impact, but I don't want to the be the one driving the boat if/when that happens [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] . Actually, I'm sure the SS rails will be plenty tough based on the installation work to get it in place. The hard vinyl 'under-rail' should give plenty of shock absorbing, and the stainless does look great -- just be sure to seat the screws well securing the SS insert...and have fenders when pulling up to another SeaCraft.

[Scott]

Originally posted by Otto Cuyler:
Does Robin know you're so smart?

Otto

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">She only says so when we are in a Jewelry store [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] LOL

I didnt mean to confuse as there are pros and cons to both ...I personally prefer the looks of the stainless..

I'm sure you can get the flexible rail on straight, but one of the fiberglass guys that use to do alot of work on the boats I "played on" pointed out several of these things to me years ago, he was real "anal" about how his work turned out The thing I look at is that a lot of larger boats use the SS Rub Rail and when they "crash" into a piling ....well I think you get the idea.

Black or White ....I've seen both and like both… arguments for Black could easily be long term cosmetics .... as the White can get dirty and stained ....However (this is my opinion) the White looks great on a Yellow, Light Blue or any pastel colored hull with a "Bright" White topside.

Good luck ... What ever you and Salty come up with I'm sure will look great

[saltydog]

Scott,

With the previous rail, as Otto said, it gave so much, and, due to the poor install of the cap it completely caved the port side gunwale that had to be refabricated. The bigger issue is that the gunwale around the bow of the boat on the bottom edge is almost 1 full inch away from the hull. We packed this gap with epoxy and chopped glass. It is strong as hell now, but I'm concerned that it is now a hard spot, when, if hit, could transfer damage to an otherwise sound area! I feel even though the rigid vinyl may be extremely utilitarian in it's looks, there is a lot of rubber there to absorb any possible impact. I'm not sure that the SS will spread out the force of an, "impact", with one of those darn pilings.

Any thoughts from the rest of the crew would be well received!

Salty Dog

[Eric McNiff]

Originally posted by Scott:
Eric ..... Thats the people I was thinking about ....have you used them ???

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Scott,

Yup - I used them - I live near by, so I drove to the factory to get the stuff. I am not sure if they will send it out or not- probably will. I got the stiff plastic stuff, so they could not ship via UPS. I am very happy with the stuff and buying from them was much cheaper than from a retailer.

[ocuyler]

Scott,

Thanks for the comments. Your neutrality is deafening.

Jeff,

I hear ya and appreciate your decisiveness, but I'm stimied right now between the 2 choices. Tom thinks utility/versatility and I don't disagree. I like the looks/stainless perspective cause the boat is a class act and a tug boat rail will kinda spoil the effort.

You know, it also has alot to do with the driver of the boat and although I've had my crashes with the Carver (the sun was in my eyes), I'm otherwise pretty good with this size. This year, it looks like the prop may be in more danger due to projected low water on Lake Ontario (19" lower than last year). Oh, yea, icebergs too!

Thanks to all.

Otto

[ March 12, 2003, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

[GetReel]

Tom and Otto: You guys are getting way to caught up in what MIGHT be more practical...thats not the point, what LOOKS better and might then also be practical? Go with the SS insert on black...forget that other rail style, please...