Rope in Rub Rail?

[Jonah]

Hi all,

Anyone ever think of removing the center insert from the vinyl rub-rail, and replacing it with some thick rope? I've seen that look on other boats, and liked it, but have never seen it on a Grady. Is there an unspoken rule that this would go against good Grady manners, or are there other reasons not to try it?

 

[DennisG01]

My '82 has it. I assume it came like that from the factory, but I do not know that for sure. Either way, looks just fine. The only thing I don't like about it is that it gets dirty easily. But my boat isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it is solid as a rock - this one's a worker, not a looker. I've got other boats for the beauty contests.

 

[Fishtales]

As Dennis says, I've seen others with the rope insert and believe that was the way it was done in the past. No rules, your boat - do what you want!!

 

[SkunkBoat]

I had rope in the rubrail on my V20. It does get very dirty and green with algae. Only way to clean is power washer. If you're a trailer boat you can deal with it but docked boats will be shabby by mid season.

I had replaced old rope with new rope that I got for free. If I had to spend money, I would have replaced with vinyl.

 

[Jonah]

Thanks everyone. I ask because I have the vinyl insert removed right now for some rub-rail repair, and thought I might replace with rope. I have no trailer, so won't bother with it right now. Maybe sometime I'll give it a shot.