Re: rubrails

Posted by Kurt Maurer on May 29, 2004

Jim, I am the champion of rub rails everywhere. I likes 'em for two major reasons: first, because they act as splash-deflectors, and contribute greatly to the dryness of the ride yer gonna get. Second, because I think they look seriously cool.

Use anything, in my opinion, but use it *thin*. 1/8" is plenty thick enough for your stock, and anything heavier tends to look a bit clunky on boats so small and sleek as kayaks. Round over the edges, and taper the hell outa the ends. It's a PITA, but worth it. I like to see wood that contrasts with its "background", to accent the sweep of the sheer line. The height of the rails is up to you, but I think 1/2" to 3/4" is safe enough. I make mine out of 1/8" x 3/4" Ash (mostly because I got it cheap), and taper the ends to 3/16" or so over 4 feet.

Commercial grade southern yellow pine thrown on a scrap heap at a construction site would make *fine* rub rail stock.

Cheers, Kurt

In Response to: rubrails by jim nelson on May 28, 2004

Replies:

• Re: rubrails by Tim Chase on May 30, 2004
  • Re: rubrails by Terry Mcadams on Jun 1, 2004
    • Re: rubrails by Mac on Jun 1, 2004
      • Re: rubrails by jim nelson on Jun 1, 2004
        • Re: rubrails by Mac on Jun 1, 2004
          • Re: rubrails by jim nelson on Jun 1, 2004