How to Install Sailboat Rub Rail (Ep127)

If your sailboat was built before the 1980s, this is an episode you’ll want to watch. In this week’s project, Joe shows how to replace the old, dry-rotted rub rail on his Skipper 20 sailboat — a common upgrade for vintage fiberglass boats.Joe also talks about the tools, materials, and techniques that make this job easier — and why patience pays off when working with tough rubber in cooler climates. Whether you’re restoring a 1970s cruiser or giving your classic daysailer a facelift, this video shows every detail you need to do it right.

You’ll learn step-by-step how to:
⚓ Identify your boat’s hull-deck joint type (shoebox, inward/outward flange)
🧩 Match the rub rail profile using a sample and find a proper replacement
🔥 Straighten coiled rub-rail material using heat and mechanical stretching
🔩 Fasten the new rail with stainless-steel screws and marine sealant
🪢 Install the rope insert — plus tips for warming, lubricating, and fitting it cleanly

🎥 Watch Next
▶️ Skipper 20 Restoration Playlist →    • Small Sailboat Restoration  
▶️ Installing the Hatches & Hardware on a Classic Sailboat →    • Marine Sealant vs Butyl Tape | Small Sailb...  
▶️ Rub Rail Replacement on the Albin 27 Pocket Trawler →    • How to Install Trawler Rub Rail | Sailboat...  


*MotorCity Boat Werks has no sponsors and receives no compensation from any of the brands featured or recommended.*

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