Freeman Cruiser Classic Rubbing Strakes

The Freeman Cruiser Classic Rubbing Strake is a protective band found around the boat which is designed to help protect your boat from knocks and impacts whilst enhancing the cruiser's appearance. The Upper Rubbing Strake is usually found around the toe rail (on the edge of the deck) and the Freeman Cruiser Lower Rubbing Strake is usually found roughly halfway between the deck and the waterline.

We try to carry in stock most of the original Freeman rubbing strakes including the Upper wood, aluminium and rubber combination and the Lower mahogany strakes. We also carry the Freeman rubber inserts separately including the Freeman Cruiser Classic Rubbing Strake Rubber, and the Freeman 24 and 27 Rubbing Strake Rubber for the aluminium channel found on some of the New Style Freemans. We can also offer repair sections of the larger mahogany rubbing strakes found on many of the bigger boats too.

Freeman Cruiser Classic Upper Rubbing Strake

The traditional Freeman Cruiser Upper Rubbing Strake is situated around the toe rail (near to the deck) and consists of a Mahogany Rubbing Strake Wood, an Aluminium Rubbing Strake Channel and Rubber Section combination which all work together to help disperse any impacts and make the cruiser look smart. Usually found, on many Freeman Cruisers, including the Freeman 22's, 23's, 25's, 26's, 28's and some of the New Style Freeman 24's and 27's.

Full kits of which are available for delivery and collection and individual elements can be ordered by telephone too. Each kit comprises of:

• Mahogany Rubbing Strake Wood:- Lengths of 12ft mahogany 'D' section straight length which can be prepared, varnished and screwed to the superstructure of your boat.
• Mahogany Rubbing Strake Curves:- On some Freeman Cruisers (typically F22 Mk2's & F26's) there is a step-in-the-deck that requires a Mahogany Rubbing Strake Curve (one on each side) which follows the design of the toe rail and can be prepared, varnished and screwed to the superstructure of your boat.
• Aluminium Rubbing Strake Channel:- Lengths of specially softened 12ft aluminium channel straights which can be prepared and screwed to the Mahogany Rubbing Strake Wood so that the Rubber section can be inserted and held in place. The aluminium is softened to allow bending around corners for example.
• Rubber Section:- A length of black rubber that can be inserted into the Aluminium Channel to finish off the Upper Rubbing Strake and help disperse an impact.
• Mastic Tape:- Mastic sealing strip that goes between the Mahogany Rubbing Strake Wood and the boat. The mastic tape is a flexible tape that is designed to move with the twists and movements of the boat so that a weatherproof bond is created to prevent water access.
• Screws:- A set of screws are supplied for attaching the wood to the boat and another set of screws is supplied to attach the aluminium channel to the wood.
• Other items you may require:- The Freeman Upper Rubbing Strake Kits provide the main elements for you to complete the job however you will need varnish, thinners and brushes, sand paper, for example, to complete your renovation.
  • Varnish:- Select from our stocked Varnish and Woodcare products.
  • Thinners:- Select from our stocked Paint and Varnish Conditioners.
  • Brushes & Tools:- Select from various tools Paint Brushes, Tools and Accessories to help complete your renovation.

Freeman Cruiser Classic Upper Rubbing Strake Repair Sections

We are also able to provide smaller sections of each element of the Freeman Classic Upper Rubbing Strake for repair work so please contact us with your preferred sizes and we shall see what is currently available.

Freeman Cruiser Classic Lower Rubbing Strake

The long, mahogany Freeman Cruiser Lower Rubbing Strake is still available too and this is usually found halfway up the side of the Classic Freeman Cruisers. It runs from the stern of the boat to the bow where it finishes towards the front side windows.

The lower rubbing strakes feature a tapered design with the widest part towards the stern, for added protection of the stern corners, and is tapered in towards the bow to leave an elegant lower buffer. These strakes are far too long for delivery so will need to be collected in person from our River Thames shop.

We also have Freeman Cruiser Lower Rubbing Strake Repair Sections which are tapered sections, approximately 1 metre in length, designed for the front and the rear ends of the lower rubbing strakes.