Dirty Rub Rail: Clean it or Replace it?

[ChicagoNewport27]

The rub rail on my Newport 27 is gross. I'm planning to paint the topsides this weekend, but that will leave my rub rail looking like a Skittle in a bowl of fine Godiva chocolates.

Picture of my Dirty Rub Rail
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/4...917fce02f8.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/4...09a7774459.jpg

So, should I replace it or clean it?

Cleaning seems cheapest, but.... how? Its a vinyl or rubber material now... what the best way to clean it?

Replace it? I've been looking at the various supplier sites, and they just dont make a rub rail that is a direct replacement for the one I have. Mine is like a big letter C that fits over the hull/deck joint. Like, imagine your hand holding a sandwich, where the top slice of bread is the outward-facing deck flange, the bottom slice is the outward-facing hull flange, and your hand is the rub rail.

(I would ask on the Newport board if anyone know where to buy a good replacement rub rail for a Newport, but there seems to be only crickets and tumbleweeds in there.)

[sailingdog]

Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on it... You'd be surprised at how well it works.

[ChicagoNewport27]

I tried Soft Scrub with Bleach on a 6-inch section of it with no luck.

[sailingfool]

Next after SoftScrub is Ajax cleaner, maybe with a 3M scrub pad, then final
stuff I'd try is Brillo pads - I've found these clean plastic stuff like fenders, winch handle holders. etc.

[Maine Sail]

Acetone and clean rags. The Acetone will soften the plastic and it will come clean. I've cleaned worse. As for paint please don't paint that hull. It can be buffed and brought back to a decent shine. This, of course, is only of it's the original gelcoat and someone did not already try and paint it before. At least use Poli Glow before you attempt to paint it your self with a one part paint. Boat = good, boat and two part LPU paint (like Awlgrip) = good, boat + one part paint = bad! Your cove stripe is a prime example of why not to paint a boat with a one part paint!!

[sailingdog]

Before trying solvents that may damage the fiberglass or plastic, you might really want to try the Magic Eraser.

[ChicagoNewport27]

Originally Posted by halekai36

Acetone and clean rags. The Acetone will soften the plastic and it will come clean. I've cleaned worse. As for paint please don't paint that hull. It can be buffed and brought back to a decent shine. This, of course, is only of it's the original gelcoat and someone did not already try and paint it before. At least use Poli Glow before you attempt to paint it your self with a one part paint. Boat = good, boat and two part LPU paint (like Awlgrip) = good, boat + one part paint = bad! Your cove stripe is a prime example of why not to paint a boat with a one part paint!!

I agree! But, the gelcoat is too far gone in most spots to save. I had planned to use two-part poly with the good ol' roll and tip application method. I would never consider the one-part stuff. That cove stripe will get sanded first thing tomorrow.

I will give the magic eraser a try, followed by the other suggestions listed above this weekend.

Thanks everyone!