Rub Rail Insert Popping Out

[CLM65]

I've got a 2002 205 Osprey.  The rub rail insert keeps popping out of the channel on both sides of the pulpit.  I've searched the forum and only seem to find solutions that involve replacing the insert.  My insert seems to be in good shape.  It is still flexible and is not cracked in any way.  I can work the insert back into the channel, but it eventually pops back out.  Is there anything I can use to "glue" it in position, such as 5200?

[Fletch170]

I would highly advise NOT using 5200. Look for some 30 Minute set waterproof caulk at homedepot.

[seabob4]

The problem is your insert has shrunk (contracted) with age.  The way the insert was installed at the factory, it was heated to "pretty damn hot" with a propane torch (same one we used to shrink wrap boats with), then sprayed with lubricant.  We had a special tool made of starboard with a notch in it that compressed the insert so it would easily fit in the extrusion.  Holding the insert in your left hand, guiding it into the extrusion with the tool in your right hand, well, once you got the technique down, you could have an insert in a 250 Osprey in 30 seconds...the whole damn thing, all the way around...

But, during this process, if you went to fast, you would stretch the insert.  It will stay in place in the curves where the pulpit flares out to the bow curvature for many years, until nature and physics finally take their toll.  Bruce's 245 Explorer has the exact same problem.  Just the nature of the beast.  Yes, you can pull the insert out and, after heating it, get it to stay in those curves, but it will end up being too short.

I've even seen people go so far as to run screws through the insert and the extrusion in those curves...

BTW, if anyone has a Tournament Master optioned boat that uses the gold insert, that insert was much more prone to stretching than the standard gray.  Even cold you could almost install it without heating it...

[wingtime]

Yup mine is pulling out on the inside curves at the base of the pulpit.  Jsut like Bob said things shrink with age!     A PO tried to put screws in there to hold it.... but of course he did not use stainless screws!  The other day I pushed on the insert a bit and I was surprised to see it was still quite stretchy and it may pull back in place with some heat.  (I have some CRAZY hot heat guns at work)  I may try to heat it up and see if new proper screws may hold it for now.  But I know in the long term I will have to replace the insert.

[seabob4]

I still do have a contact at Taco, but they are not making the gray insert anymore.  So it's white or black if you want to replace...

[merlinroad]

I'm having the same problem.
I heat it up to get it back in and a few weeks in the sun and its coming back out.

Seabob4
If you could get me the taco insert part number so I get the correct replacement that would be great.
I hope to replace over the winter break.

Thanks
John

[CLM65]

Thanks for the replies all.  It is obviously a common problem.  My brother in NJ has an explorer with the same issue, but his insert is more brittle and is cracking.  

I also would like the Taco part number Bob, if you've got it.  Any recommendation on the color?  I'm thinking white may look better, but if someone has seen both and can make a recommendation, that would be great.

I may try some type of adhesive in the mean time to see if I can prolong the replacement.  Any particular reason 5200 is not recommended?

Thanks again!

[seabob4]

Here it is, I went through miles of this stuff years ago...http://tacomarine.com/item--1-1-2-x-7-8 ... -9501.html

Looks like they only have it in white now...

You guys can also call Marine Surplus in Bradenton or Marine Connection Liquidators in Ft. Pierce and see if they have any rolls of gray...

[merlinroad]

Thanks for the insert information.

john

[CLM65]

Thanks for the insert information.

Ditto!  Thanks Bob!

[seabob4]

If you guys want white, I can call my buddy Dennis at Taco, see if he can still work some $$ magic for me...

[CLM65]

If you guys want white, I can call my buddy Dennis at Taco, see if he can still work some $$ magic for me...

Thanks Bob!  I haven't decided yet if I'm going to attempt to glue it somehow, or if I should just go right to replacing it.  I guess if the price is right, I could replace it, but I wouldn't want you to go out of your way.

I did do a quick search on the internet for the part number you provided, and there do appear to be a few places that still sell both black and white.  In fact, there is an arctic white and a frosty white available at some places.  Do you know what the difference is, and which would look better on our boats?  I noticed the frosty white is a little bit more expensive than the arctic white.

Aw, heck.  The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards replacing it.  I assume a 50' length would be adequate for a 205?  If you don't mind, let me know what the damages would be.

Thanks!

Craig

[merlinroad]

Hey Bob,
I may be interested if the price is right.
I'm thinking I would need around 60 - 70'.

I sent an email to marine connection liq checking on the gray.

John

[seabob4]

Arctic white is the color that is associated with Wellcraft, very bright.  What I would recommend...

You guys let me know what you want to do.  Dennis Fahey at Taco is a super dude, he should be able to help...

[seabob4]

Just sent Dennis an email, got an "out of office" reply back.  Probably let you know after the weekend...