Rub Rail repair help

Have a section about 3ft long towards the bow where the rub rail is separated from the hull. There is about 1/4" space between the hull and the rub rail. The rub rail consists of an aluminum profile with a rubber insert.

Want to repair this properly but unsure of the best way. Not sure why or how this happened in the first place.

Was going to pull/pry the rubber insert from the affected aluminum section then re-rivet the aluminum onto the hull (new holes) then try to get the rubber insert back in place.

Is this the right way and is it a difficult job? Hate getting in over my head. Can I work on just this small section or do I have to start at an end and take it all off?

Advice most welcome.

Re: Rub Rail repair help

depends on how bad it is. try working the section, can you push it back into place, if so just do the section. if not you may have to do the complete side. yes the rubber can be remove, easily with 2 flat screw drivers.