REMOVING A RUBBING STRAKE ON LM 32

[alisdairjohnston]

As I prepare Nordlys for launch, I am conscious  that her smart blue stripe at the top of the topsides need re-doing.   To  do this, I will need to remove (and replace) the rubbing strake.   Can anyone advise if this i straightforward  or not? 

[ganzanders]

When I re-painted the blue stripe on my LM32 I didn‘t remove the rubber. I simply applied masking tape underneath the rubber and it worked pretty well.

regards,
Andreas

[alisdairjohnston]

Thanks Andreas,

I did think of that - maybe it's best to leave well alone !

[johnc]

Removing the rubbing strake is not for the feint hearted as it has to be stretched back into place. As said in a previous post, masking tape is the way to go. However are you sure your need to paint. The top blue area is not painted and is actually gel coat, well that's the way my LM28 left the factory. I think you may be able to recover the gloss blue by using relatively severe cutting techniques, perhaps 1500 grit wet and dry and then polishing compound. Just a thought.

[alisdairjohnston]

Hi John,

I'm afraid it is painted. That ship has sailed, John!

[jandane]

If not painted by previous owners, the blue line is gelcoat. You can polish it up to new, but it is hard work. If it has some minor cracks you still can buy the original blue colour at Kolding Marine in Denmark.