After putting so much effort into making the swim platform pretty, I wanted to make sure it’s protected in the event that I botch the landing when backing into a slip. The original rub rail was rectangular anodized aluminum. It probably looked fine when it was brand new, but it was pretty worn out by the time we bought the boat for $1 in December of 2007. I decided to go with 1-1/4″ solid back stainless steel rub rails for this refit.
When we first got the boat, the swim platform was as rough as everything else
That’s pretty rough
The original rub rail wasn’t salvageable
That’s a good looking swim platform
The factory polish on stainless rub rail isn’t bad, but it could be improved
The 316 stainless screw heads could use a bit of polishing, too
Super shiny rub rails are ready to install
I taped off the teak with 1/2″ straight line tape
I drilled the screw holes using a Vix bit to center the holes, then temporarily installed the port rail
I then taped off the rail
I then applied Sikaflex 291 LOT (long Open Time) mahogany-colored caulk
After squeegeeing off the caulk that squeezed out, I pulled the tape
I repeated that process for the other pieces of rail.
NICE!
Next up in our 1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Bilge Pumps & Panda Exhaust Wrap-Up
1969chriscraftroamer46 
At the risk of sounding like a broken record that has been playing for 20+ years…. When are you splashing?? I’ll bring the bubbly.
I put it right there in the blog, Bill! The marina manager says it splashes on Monday.
I’m really loving the daily updates. I’m excited to see your 15 year restoration saga about to reach a new milestone.