Gunwale edge moldings

I'm looking for some advice from others who have restored the 18s.

My boat had an aluminum molding that ran along under the edge of the gunwales, inside the boat, to give them a finished look. Over the years, it was bent, broken and spliced. I therefore removed all of it and threw it away when I gutted the boat.

I need some ideas on what material to use for new moldings, keeping in mind that whatever I use has to make the turns where the gunwales curve around to the dash and rear deck.

The original molding was "L" shaped and the bottom of the "L" was simply ground off in the areas where the molding had to make a turn. I would think rubber molding would work just as well. I've looked at some of the stuff available in auto parts stores for car fenders, wheel wells, and door trim but for the most part they don't look like they would work and they don't come in lengths big enough.

Has anybody replaced this molding on their boats? If so, can you offer any advice?

Thanks for any help available!

MarkBano

 

Mark,

See if you can hook up with Greg. He used a rubber "U" shaped moulding that shapes well around corners, looks great and comes in bulk rolls. You just fit it, and then tap it up with a rubber mallet. (I've seen it used by other boat manufactures from the factory.)

Bob

 

Mark,

My boat has the original aluminum trim peices on it. I think that the fact that it has lasted all these years speaks volumes for it. I would try to duplicate it.

jim

 

Try looking at http://www.mcmaster.com/ Search for edge trim. They have a pretty good selection of rubber and metal (aluminum or stainless) trims that should fit your needs nicely. I don't know if they sell to the general public or not, but a lot of business that build and make things have accounts with them. They are a good source for a ton of things. You can even get hydraulic hose parts and assemblies (for steering).

 

Excellent. I'll check that out. Thank you!

Jim - is your molding all one strip or separate pieces. Mine was in about 5 pieces but I couldn't tell if that was the way it was originally or not. I don't know where I'd get a length of aluminum molding like that. On mine, the gunwale supports were dry-rotted along the bottoms and the molding was beat up alot as prior owner(s) tried to keep re-installing it in all sorts of inventive and interesting ways.

 

My molding was one piece until they cut it to accomodate the side mounted built in throttle. I'll bet that Tom and Ab remember where it came from. It probably is from a non-marine application like a counter top or table trim.

jim

 

Mark,

Your trim you had was original. My 1973 18' had the same exact stuff. The stuff Bob is referring too was awesome. It had metal in the inside, therefore it never lost its "life". It works great for making that tight bends in the corners. I think the original 20' Dynes used it in their hulls too if I am not mistaken. I think I still have an entire roll left in my garage. I will check. If so, I can mail it to you and you can have it. If not, then I know I ordered it from JC Whitney catalog. You can look the stuff on line in their internet catalog. GO SEE BOB AND GET SOME IDEAS! You guys need to hook up.

Greg

 

Thanks Greg! Thanks RiverRat!

Greg - I'd be happy to buy the molding and pay for shipping if you've still got it. I'll take a measurement to see how much I need. Otherwise, I'll check out both options and figure out what to do. I really appreciate your help!

Bob and I are going to hook up for sure. I spoke with him on the phone for about an hour the other day. It will have to be after Easter sometime, because everyone's busy through at least this weekend. I can't wait to see the boat.