As a USCG-licensed launch operator I have learned that maintaining launches to a high standard presents the same challenges as any actively used vessel; only more so since they tend to be the first in the water, the last to be hauled out each year, and they must be kept continually in service. For 2025, work on these two launches for a busy North Shore yacht club included removal of damaged rubrails early in the spring, repairing, fairing and painting the gunwales before installing new rubrails, gelcoat repair, and a brightwork refresh carried out around the club’s schedule throughout the summer season.
The original rubrails were heavily damaged from years of hard use.
After removal of the old rubrails, a patchwork of screw holes and past repairs were addressed to provide a solid foundation for the new gunwales.
New rubrails installed, prior to the installation of the trim strip which will cover the fastenings.