rub rail???

[goodtimesfishing]

I have a question reguarding my rub rail(I think that is what it is called). Boat is a 1988 1500 capri, I am cleaning it up and it seams like the silicone is beginning to peel along the top and bottom of the rub rail. Is there anything special I would need to do if I just scrape all the old and run a new bead of silicone??? does it have to be marine silicone??? what is the difference in marine silicone??

 

[BWT]

Re: rub rail???

As long as the rail is well secured well to the deck/hull joint (the seam where the top and bottom of the boat mates) then yes, all you would need to do is remove the old silicone and replace with new. HOWEVER, all silicone's are not created equal. Aside from quality another concern is working time before it starts to skin over. The faster it skins the less time you will have to go back over and smooth out your bead and blend in your start/stop points. My personal favorite is made by Dow Corning (either their 791 or 795). Make sure to tape off both sides of the seam so you can smooth your bead; pull the tape as soon as you've done this. Hope this helps!

 

[goodtimesfishing]

Re: rub rail???

Can this be done after waxing? or would it adhere better if I do it after rubbing out(rubbing compound)but before wax?

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: rub rail???

Needs to be done before wax. The surface must be clean and wax free.

 

[goodtimesfishing]

Re: rub rail???

That is what I thought, just don't want to damage freshly sealed edge, of coarse I will let it cure for a couple days. Thanks guys.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: rub rail???

Clean the area the silicon bead will be applied too with rubbing alcohol, acetone, or whatever the instructions on the product you are going to apply recommends.