2007-10-31; 11:22:43 EDT
Member Since
2002-09-17
Posts: 4946
Art, According to the master himself, to fix a leak at the deck joint, you must first remove the rub rail. Remove all old fasteners and clean the area thoroughly. The next step is to apply caulking. I recommend a single part urethane caulk because of my past experience with the product. It sticks to everything and anything and remains pliable over it's life which is around twelve years. Normally when you apply caulk from a tube you lead with the gun and squeeze the caulk out between the two objects you are sealing. With the hull to deck joint you want to push the gun forward as you dispense the caulk. This gives you a nice seal which will fill any gaps it comes in contact with. Make sure all old sealant has been removed and the area is clean and dry. While still tacky and drying I would then install the rub rail adding another small bead to the part that pushes up against the seam. Install new pop rivets and install the rubber insert and the job is done. The rubber insert can be made more pliable with heat from a heat gun (Lowe's has them as well as Home Depot) or a powerful hair dryer. The aluminum or SS rivets can be purchase at any good fastener outlet. I believe I used aluminum because they are easier to work with. Make sure you have enough to complete the entire job in one shot. Rummy ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.comSee the original archive post