Hydrostream rub rail installation

[99fxst99]

Hey JWT, or anyone else... I always wondered how the aluminum rub rail was installed on the older 'streams. :confused: They looked to be blind riveted from the top.

[BeefKid]

if im not mistaken they were installed on the hull then the deck was put on... this is what ive heard... and why no one puts that rail on the streams that are redone...

[JWTjr.]

if im not mistaken they were installed on the hull then the deck was put on... this is what ive heard... and why no one puts that rail on the streams that are redone...

This is correct. The rub rail was pop riveted on the hull, with a pre-bent piece (done on a an old tubing bender) around the nose. The two tail pieces were also pre-bent but not fastened to the hull yet, at the very end. The flange of the hull was then mudded, the deck lowered on, shoved forward so the nose fit under the rub rail lip, then lowered into place at the stern, then the stern rails fastened. Then tab glassed inside all the way around, then gelcoated w/black gel to seal.

Cutting the rail off and replacing it can be done, I've seen it done several times. But it's not easy.

JT