Rub Rail Repair

[Cal2-29]

I attempted replacing my worn out rub rail on a 1974 Cal 2-29. While trying to replace the rub rail, there appears to be rivets about every 12 inches holding hull/deck joint. I know Cal used to seal the hull/deck together with 5200, so the rivets were probably only used to hold the two together while the 5200 set up. The problem is the new rub rail is so flexible that it makes a "bump" where it contacts the rivets. It looks a snake that's just ate about 100 mice. I haven't fastened it down yet until I decide the best way to solve the problem. Anyone have any experience with this or good ideas how to fix it?

Thanks,

[James S]

Sounds like putting in more screws or rivets between the original ones may help....or maybe it'll look like the snake ate 200 smaller mice.

It may also be that the rivets have pulled in too hard or the bedding material is thicker than need be, maybe both!

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Cal2-29

... I know Cal used to seal the hull/deck together with 5200, so the rivets were probably only used to hold the two together while the 5200 set up.

I think most Cal-Jensen hull/deck joints (of the inferior shoebox type) were sealed with putty then glassed on the inside - hence the rivets were likely only a temporary fastening.

The Cal 29 Owner's Manual doesn’t describe the hull-deck joint.
Goto ➥ http://www.caldwellgenealogy.com/kin...ners_Guide.pdf
Or ➥ sailboats, Cal 29

A unique Rub-Rail Replacement on a Cal 2-29
➥ Wilkie's Sailboat Page

[motion30]

I would drill the rivets out and replace with flathead screws countersunk to the hull

[edwmama]

Does anyone know the type of joint used to join the hull and the deck
On a Cal cruising 46? I'd imagine I'd be similar to the cal 2-46 and 3-46?

Secondly how do,you repair leaks if any?

[minaret]

Go around with a rubber mallet and whack each "mouse", this will leave a rivet mark on the back of the rail. Then pull the rail off and drill a little divot into the back of the rail at each rivet mark. Then goop it on properly with 4000. Use an oversize drill bit so it doesn't have to line up perfectly. Some rails aren't thick enough to do this, but most are.