I am just getting ready to attach my rubrails to my MC 16.5. I ordered the recommended brass nails from CLC, but I think they look a little cheesy. Do I really need nails, or can I just glue this? If I do need nails, should I just use my leftover copper nails I used to attach the deck?
Any thoughts or pics would be appreciated.
You should use the nails (not the copper deck nails). I used 1" #18 brass brads spaced 6" apart. They blend in well with the wood colour...you really have to look hard to see them they are so tiny but the have a lot of holding power. I also epoxied the rails. Some will advise against this to allow for future replacement if they get banged up but I'm pretty careful. I also extended the 4 oz. deck glass over the rails for added protection. I think others have used just epoxy (using tape to hold the rails in place). This seems like a lot of trouble....you really don't notice the little brads.
Chris
Glue by itself will work fine, too, if you can figure out a clamping method. Nails might be easier.
Laszlo
Thanks for the help- and especially the pic- that is a beautiful looking boat.
Thanks…you can see the whole build at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/algonquinpaddler/sets/72157594510381189/