What to use to fill in a chipped rub rail.

[JustEnough]

My rub rail was damaged. Took off and replaced the stainless after reseating the plastic trim. I did not replace the plastic and have a gouge about 1" x 1/2" I need to fill. (This is before picture.)

As you may know - the rub rail is navy and not black. Does anyone know if there is a dark navy putty or silicone that I can patch it with. Thanks!

 

[DennisG01]

I'm sure there is - search for exterior caulk. I'm pretty sure there's colored caulk used with metal roofings, at the least.

However, you could use a paintable caulk.

I imagine it's going to separate/crack away from the vinyl rubrail in short order, though.

 

[JJF]

I can't imagine any product sticking to the rub rail material.

 

[Fishtales]

Gonna be tough. Maybe find a small piece somewhere (with all the damaged boats there must be one donor around) or a small piece at a dealer. Might be able to fab a piece to fit and glue in with JB Weld. That stuff is pretty amazing.

 

[Hookup1]

Most of the damage looks like the metal. That shouldn't be that hard to source. That may be enough. Repairing the rail is another story. Replace the whole rail. Perfection comes with a price - pay up or learn to live with it!

 

[JustEnough]

We replaced the 12' section of stainless trim and reseated the rub rail. Other than a 1" chunk out of the plastic rail it looks great. Any reason I can't tint 4000UV or 4200 and just slowly build it up? Thanks again.

 

[Hookup1]

We replaced the 12' section of stainless trim and reseated the rub rail. Other than a 1" chunk out of the plastic rail it looks great. Any reason I can't tint 4000UV or 4200 and just slowly build it up? Thanks again.

Good luck! Sure you can try something. But isn't not going to be a perfect match. Try but it may not look better than doing nothing.

Is it really that important? If it bothers you that much replace the whole rub rail.

 

[DennisG01]

We replaced the 12' section of stainless trim and reseated the rub rail. Other than a 1" chunk out of the plastic rail it looks great. Any reason I can't tint 4000UV or 4200 and just slowly build it up? Thanks again.

The comments above about using caulking still apply. But just out of curiosity, since 4200 isn't UV stable, why would you consider that one?

 

[trapper]

You could consider Sikaflex (white ) it is very adhesive and hardens to a tough rubber finish which may be coloured. Not sure of the colouring.

 

[NealTrombley]

We replaced the 12' section of stainless trim and reseated the rub rail. Other than a 1" chunk out of the plastic rail it looks great. Any reason I can't tint 4000UV or 4200 and just slowly build it up? Thanks again.

This right here with 295UV by sika and your are good, probably taco 3/4 SST rub rail https://tacomarine.com/stainless-steel-rub-rail-store

 

[JustEnough]

Thank you all - 295UV by sika did the trick.