Aluminum Rub strips,ugh!!

[doc g]

I was wondering if anyone out there has removed and just finiished the fiberglass under these. Specifically the one around the flybridge on the older motor yachts. None of the newer Hats have the Al strip on them. Seems it would be so much easier than any other option............Pat

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Personally, I think it would look kinda plain... its also a sort of drip edge, at least on mine. It hangs below the joint about 1/8 inch. I think the next windfall is gonna present itself with new Stainless Steel trim... aluminum was fine for the first few years, but the finish sure dont last! ws

 

[rsmith]

I was wondering if anyone out there has removed and just finiished the fiberglass under these. Specifically the one around the flybridge on the older motor yachts. None of the newer Hats have the Al strip on them. Seems it would be so much easier than any other option............Pat

Lots are removed but Hatt usualy uses them to cover a joint that could be a crack area. A lot of times the al is replaced with teak. Looks great but another maintance item.

 

[TopHattandTails]

Imron'd mine this winter. One of those projects you notice when it hasn't been done.

 

[GJH]

I like the stainless. I usually default to the thought that Hatteras put them there for a reason....

 

[REBrueckner]

I too have wondered if those edge strips really had a purpose. I came to the conclusion if so it wasn't for the owners.

I'm pretty sure part of their presence is tradition: My 1961 wood Matthews also used similar aluminum strips to hold down canvas edges placed over plywood roofs. THAT had a purpose. On my 1972 48 YF when I painted the bridge deck roof, I removed a section of the aluminum edging to recaulk under it: It was a lot easier than trying to get all the old edging and caulk material off and then fiberglassing the edging.

At the time I painted the roof I added some 1" x 2" PVC plastic gunnel material several inches inside the aluminum edging......the type used for gunnels on many down east lobsterman... different shapes are available and are also used for spray rails.

For those who might take off the traditional aluminum edging, placing such pvc gunnel material near the edge can funnel and roof runoff water where you want it....instead of on your head when you step forward from wing doors. It adds a bit of "interest" to the roof shape and when painted roof color is not very noticeable inj any case.

That PVC combing material also stiffens the roof overhang considerably and prevents losing your footing...as when there is frost or ice and you are up there. The PVC is quite flexible and it might be possible to route out the lower inner corner and use the PVC as a new gutter and edging in place of the original aluminum even following roof edge curves. A downside is that the PVC gunnel material on the roof top highlights waves in the roof overhang...makes irregularities more prominent. I was surprised at that.

 

[doc g]

I know alot of folks have painted these things but my concern with that is that you have SS screws in Al rail. Seems it would be be better to remove the Al, fill and fair the fiberglass edge and roll and tip to match the boat. Mine needs to be re-bedded anyhow. So I'd have to remove the Al ,re-bed,re install, then go the paint route over what appears to be an electrolysis problem with the dissimlar metals under. Is there a reason removing the Al, and the fairing out method would not work?? .....Pat

 

[yachtsmanbill]

If you scrutinize my earlier pic, youll see the lower edge overhangs by 1/8 inch, hence the drip edge. That breaks the surface tension of rain water so that it doesnt merely follow up the underside of the roof overhang and work its way into the windows.
The stainless rub strakes on the gun'l is supposed to work the same way to help keep dirt streaks off the hull side. Seems like its become more of a habitat for spiders tho...
Either way its gonna become a project... I would replace it with the same sized polished stainless with polished SS screws to match; the judges will grant you an extra 1000 points for the effort! While the Al stuff is off, its time to sand and paint the edge of the roof, OR, the entire job! Thats good for another 750 points. ws

Points are based on a multiplier of .566 X cost of material X hours of labor LOL