Removal of Toe and Rub Rails

June 13, 2015

 After completing a project overview, and deciding on the first work to be done on the Cape Dory, I set into removal of the rub rails and toe rails.  The process was made very easy due to the extreme weathering of the rails themselves.  The bungs that concealed the fasteners, if they were still there, were extremely thin, and so removal included a quick flip of the utility knife.  Upon removing the thin bungs, I cleaned out the bedding compound used to seat and seal the bungs.

Once this was done, the fastener was ready for removal. 

As I stated early, easy and straight forward!

The rail fasteners were spaced at 8" on center.

The port and starboard genoa tracks were a bit more of a challenge, but eventually conceded to my persistence.  The original installation of the genoa track included 6 flat head screws approximately 3" in length, set flush with the track itself, passing through the toe rail and hull-to-deck flange, and completed with a washer and nut.

The view from below.  Note, the genoa track fasteners pass through the hull-to-deck flange; the side deck coring is further inboard.

A large flat head screwdriver provided me with the necessary leverage to remove the somewhat stubborn fasteners.  In the end, all 12 fasteners gave up their fight, and I completed the removal of the rails.  

The aft end of the genoa track measured 42" from the stern.  Next on the list is removal of the coaming boards, taff rail, etc.

Total Time: 2 Hrs