Re: Making Rub Rails

Posted by Kurt Maurer on Aug 27, 2005

Howdy, Warren. I like to make rubrails out of anything that contrasts nicely with okoume (which is darkish), and plain ol' southern pine (which is light) would work well for that. I also like to make 'em really thin, like 1/8"... This way, they're easier to install and look less "clunky". I also think 3/4" is a perfect width, which is handy since that's the thickness of most boards.

I feel strongly that good, long, graceful tapers make the rubrails sing. The ones in the picture below taper from 3/4" to 3/16" over a three-foot length.

I love rubrails on kayaks! Not only are they a fine traditional detail that makes the boat more interesting to examine, but they also function quite nicely as splash deflectors.

Cheers, Kurt

In Response to: Making Rub Rails by Warren Cunningham on Aug 27, 2005

Replies:

• Re: Making Rub Rails by Warren Cunningham on Aug 27, 2005
• Re: Making Rub Rails by Mike D on Aug 29, 2005
  • Re: Making Rub Rails by Kurt Maurer on Aug 29, 2005
    • Re: Making Rub Rails by Mike D on Aug 29, 2005