Refastening and sealing hull to Deck

[1Moredrift]

I have a 24ft GW Offshore and have notices the rub rail is loose in some spots. I have also noticed that I get water in my bilge and deck on rough days that I believe may be entering through this connection.<br /><br />I was planning to take the rub rail off, and loosen all of the screws attaching the hull to the deck, applying some kind of sealant/adhesive, and retightening all of the screws. Then I would reattach the rubrail, also using some sealant.<br /><br />My questions are:<br /><br />1. is this OK to do or would I be compromising the flexibility of the boat/hull and causing other damage?<br /><br />2. in places where the screw holes are too loose, should I A) uses a thicker gauge screw or B) fill the hole with 5200 and use the same size screws?<br /><br />3. What kind of sealant/adhesive would you recommend?

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Refastening and sealing hull to Deck

You can remove a few of the screws at a time,inject the holes with silicon(clear marine grade) and reinstall the screws.After going around the boat,clean the bottom side of the rub rail with acetone and run a bead of clear silicon on it.<br />Those screws will back out in time on all boats and its one of those things that one must do for time to time.Its flexing of the hull and the top decking.