[C320-list] Rubbing strake replacement

[Cheryl Dahl]

Chris ,
I have a 1997 as well and replaced the rubber and channel when I had her in
the yard. I ordered both from CD .
It is a lot of screws and I was nervous about making the bend around the
bow .
I talked to tech support at CD and they told me to set your last screw
close to the bow then slowly pound with a rubber mallet around it. Lo and
behold , it worked ! Something to consider if using an alternate material
for the channel.
Good luck !
Steve Dahl
#412
Sans Souci
Santa Barbara

On Fri, Mar 1, 2024 at 10:57 PM Chris White via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

>  Hi Mark
> Many thanks for your reply and advice.
> Chris White'Dandy'#449Poole, UK
>
>     On Friday, 1 March 2024 at 17:54:33 GMT, Mark Seyler via C320-list <
> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
>  I had to replace some sections of my rub rail in 2022 because of minor
> damage from Hurricane Ida.  I can't comment on the appearance of your
> proposed replacement, since we can't see it, and it's a personal decision
> anyway.  But Here are a few thoughts to consider on the mechanics of the
> project.
>
> You are correct that the metal channel is held onto the boat by a
> combination of screws and through-bolts.  The through-bolts also secure the
> hull-deck joint, and you'll want to retain them.  But if the replacement
> doesn't include a metal channel like the one you are replacing, you will
> want to add washers or some other plate to spread the load on the exterior
> of the hull.  That may complicate attaching your replacement fender on top
> of the bolts.
>
> Access to the nuts for the through-bolts in the head required removing the
> panel above my medicine cabinet, which was not fun.  Consider whether you
> need to access the holding tank vent, or the wiring to the shore power
> outlet in that area while you have it open.
>
> I started the project at the dock in my marina, but I only have a finger
> pier on one side, and it is shorter than the boat.  It was a bit of a pain
> to either work while leaning over the rail, or have to turn the boat to
> have somewhere to sit or stand off the boat.  I installed the new rubber
> insert while on the hard at a shipyard, and it was much easier to just move
> a step ladder around as I worked.
>
> The metal channel at the stem of my boat was undamaged, so I didn't have
> to replace it.  But you'll need a plan for a pretty tight bend of whatever
> rub rail you install at the stem, which may or may not be easy to do with
> the product you propose.
>
> I bought three sections of replacement metal channel from Catalina, to
> replace sections damaged by dock rash from Ida.  Catalina sold me 66 feet
> of rubber insert, to replace the insert all the way around the boat.  That
> amount seemed reasonable for a 32 foot boat.  BUT, it turned out to be
> about 2-1/2 feet short!  Whatever you use, measure carefully, and buy a
> little extra to avoid having to splice a section of the old rail into your
> brand new work.
>
> Good luck with your project!
>
> Mark Seyler
> S/V Reality,
> Catalina 320, #232
> New Orleans, LA
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
> Chris White via C320-list
> Sent: Friday, March 1, 2024 8:12 AM
> To: Catalina C320 List List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Cc: Chris White <chriswhite252000 at yahoo.co.uk>
> Subject: [C320-list] Rubbing strake replacement
>
> I want to replace the rubbing strake on my 1997 Catalina 320.The aluminium
> has become pitted and corroded in places.
>
> I have read some earlier articles in Mainsheet and understand there is a
> combination of screws and bolts fastening the aluminium track to the hull.I
> believe the larger bolts make be structural, so possibly best not disturbed.
> I believe I could obtain the aluminium track and rubber insert from
> Catalina, but as I am in the UK this would be expensive.
> What if I used a PVC 'D' shaped fender which I can obtain locally?It has a
> strip insert and plugs to fill the drill holes.It would be a similar size
> the the track being removed.
> Would this detract from the appearance of the boat, something I would not
> want to do.
> Any advice or comments would be welcome. Thank you.
> Chris WhiteYacht Dandy #449PooleDorsetUK
>
>
>