Rubber bumper caulking

[bobber head]

Greetings,<br /><br />My search on the subject was pitiful. So here's my question.<br /><br />The wrap around rubber bumper (actual term unknown) of my '93 Nitro has what appears to be household caulking, and rather unsightly, on the under side and if it ever served a purpose - it doesn't now. Seperated from the fiberglass all the way around.<br /><br />Doubting the boat design calls for occassional re-caulking...what was the orig. way to keep this seam water tight? She took on almost no water the 20 hours out this fall...should I just leave it?<br /><br />Thanks, Bobber

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Rubber bumper caulking

The caulking was indeed there to keep the rub rail waterproof.The boat would have had an original application of sealant, it just sounds like someone did a bad re-application. It should be stripped and replaced with a good marine grade sealant.You don't want to get water penetrating into the joint or fasteners holding the deck and hull together.<br /><br />Mike

 

[93evinrude]

Re: Rubber bumper caulking

I suggest that you check to insure that the rub rail has not loosened.If it has,you should tighten it first before re-caulking.That may be the reason the caulking has separated.

 

[bobber head]

Re: Rubber bumper caulking

I mis stated the pulling away. It's actually pulled away from the rubber not the glass.<br /><br />Good to at least know the name of things, thanks.<br /><br />The rub rail indeed seems tight all the way around, to me. I can't get it to even budge with my fingers. Tightening would involve pulling it to the back and re-securing on either end?<br /><br />Looking closer, there are two different sealants. The top one seems ordinary silicone, smeared in DIY fahion. The one underneath has a yellow/ brown colour to it and is rather hard to pick loose. <br /><br />Any tips on HOW to easiest remove the marine sealant, or do I even need to? <br />The DYI silicone on top comes off just by looking at it.<br /><br />Thanks Bobber

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Rubber bumper caulking

I recommend removing the DIY caulk, and replacing it, if needed, with 3M 5200. You can spread it on with your finger and smooth it out/clean it up with mineral spirits (both probably carcinogens, but the job comes out neatly).

 

[taz33911]

Re: Rubber bumper caulking

use a little adhesive remover on a rag just damp not wet and a piece of plexiglass sharpened on one end scrape off the old sealant. Use clear 100% silicone cut the tip small and smooth with your finger it helps to cut the tip at a 45.5200 is some good stuff but not very pretty hard to make it look good and messy