Remove rub rail, or sand in place?

[Bacardi Marty]

I am renovating a 1972 Stauter Cedar Point Special. She was painted all over, but I am sanding down some of the wooden trim to finish bright for accent, especially the cap rail and rub rail (pardon me if I get the terms slightly wrong). My question is - should I unscrew and remove the rub rail so I can get a clean shot at sanding and refinishing the cap rail and work on the rub rail independently, or should I muddle through sanding the rub and cap rails while still in place on the boat? The rub rail is screwed to the cap rail using #8X1.5" stainless steel screws, which I plan to replace with oval head sibr screws. The rub rail will be easy enough to remove and make the whole job easier, but will it go back on as easy as it comes off? See picture below.
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/viewimageframe/21175670/352923059

[watson1990]

HI,
I have always felt that the more difficult way to do something ,in this instance, is that the harder way is always a much better product when you are done.
To remove it , you will have a clean shot of everything : the areas that really need to be sanded and then you have the paint/varnish line and YOU will know if there is a mistake somewhere,if only you and one of every 75 people know ,,,you won't be happy ...A little more time, sure ,,,a much better end result? Absolutely !!

Watson

[Old Lure Collector]

Remove it. As Watson pointed out, "A little more time, sure ,,,a much better end result". When I removed the "toe rail" from the Big MAC, I discovered a soft spot (rot) on the gunwale that would have gone un-noticed had I not taken the extra step. You'll be glad you took the extra time.

[Concordia...41]

You'll seldom regret doing something right. ;)

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

.
Seems to be unanimous, Marty. :)

[Vinny&Shawn]

In the piano restoration business,if you try to take short cuts you end up with a poor repair. Take it apart,do it once do it right,very satisfying and strong results.
There should be no reason why it shouldn't go back together properly. Mark and indentify where everything goes. Makes life easy.