rub rail question

[arty007]

hey fellas! ive been wanting to reseal the rub rail for some time now, and since the weather isnt coopperating" for fishing" this weekend, i want to tackle this little project. I've read ALOT of posts of how to do this here, but i am still a bit confused on when people say 'to seal the deck to hull connection', im not confused on location, but on-do i just seal the seam where they connect and the screw holes or do i take out the screws that are connectiong both hull/deck together and somehow get caulking in between? any help or pics greatly appreciated.
btw its a 1978 cobalt open bow, and i plan to use 3m 4200 for the sealant unless theres something better.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: rub rail question

4200 is the right sealant to use........ you can caulk under the rail (metal portion) or you can lay a bead under your rub rail now and smooth it out like caulking a window

 

[arty007]

Re: rub rail question

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this is what i need to know, where would the caulk be most effective, sealing the fiberglass connections, or top and bottom of metal rail and screws? excuse my ignorance and my drawing skills too

 

[arty007]

Re: rub rail question

you can caulk under the rail (metal portion) or you can lay a bead under your rub rail now and smooth it out like caulking a window[/QUOTE]

wouldnt only caulking under the metal portion of the rub rail trap water and maybe force it throught he fiberglass seams?
or is that what your calling 'the rail'?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: rub rail question

The bottom side is where it is needed (normally) if you are trying to stop water from coming in. While riding some hull designs allow water to be forced in under the rub rail from the bottom. What you would get from above the rail is "drops"

 

[drewpster]

Re: rub rail question

The most effective way of doing it is to remove the rub rail completely, clean and scuff all the nasty off that is going to be trapped under it, caulk and seal the joint where the top and bottom halves of the boat come together, reinstall the rub rail, and caulk all the screws as you put them back in. BUT you can caulk the rub rail itself as long as the sealing surface is plenty clean, and it should be ok. If you still get water past the rub rail in to the boat, you have to remove it.

 

[arty007]

Re: rub rail question

thats what i wanted to know... thanks to all for the timely responses,and again this site is a goldmine