Hull and Cap Joint- Need Adhesive?

[tsennett]

I am not sure if this really belongs in this forum, but I need advice. I have a 1990 Sea Ray 180 BR OB. Boat has some damage to rub rail on port side, right about where the side windsheild is. The rail is pulled away from the hull, and I discovered that for about 2/12 to three feet of length of the rail, the screws that hold the aluminum extrusion to the hull have been pulled out or sheared off. I understand that the best way to fix this is to pull the rubber insert back in the channel (slide it without removing it) to expose the screws, then replace the screws (I will probably use small bolts instead because I can get to the joint on the inside to secure the bolts with nuts - and probably put them through a thin strip as a backing on the inside of the hull).
My question is whether there is anything that should go between the cap and the hull such as a caulk or an adhesive. I can't tell if there was anything there before.
Sorry I don't have pics.
Thanks in advance for any help. This site is a wealth of info.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Hull and Cap Joint- Need Adhesive?

You could use some 3M 4200 caulk, 5200 is too permanent. You probably want to really check all of your screws, they have a tendency to work loose.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Hull and Cap Joint- Need Adhesive?

Don't know your boat, but the cap joins the hull there. No sealant will allow water to enter there. Spray etc. Silicone was used on mine and has seperated from the hull. Still fills most of the gap but I recommend another product. 3M 4200 is a good choice.

 

[MountaineerMiner]

Re: Hull and Cap Joint- Need Adhesive?

consider aluminum or ss rivets, mush easier than bolts and wont back out like screws