rub rail leaks

[solito]

Regarding rub rail leaks.After R&R my rub rails i found that behind the rope insert there were factory drilled holes that had never had bolts or screws in them,could see right thru at least five holes others were loose and surely leaked also,removed rails,caulked with black 5200,replaced all bolts and screws with new ss.made a neat bead of the 5200 to finnish off and now have a 1990 Mac.that is dry inside for the first time since new.I'm afraid that just running a bead of caulk top& bottom would not have done the job.It would have made a future job a lot more work in the long run,no easy way on this one!!!

[Damon]

I would go as far as applying 5200 between the hull and gunnel (where the fiberglass of the hull and gunnel meet). Believe it or not, you'll have a boat which is more solid.

When my boat got repaired on the starboard side, the boat yard apply the 5200 between the gunnel and hull fiberglass (sandwiched the 5200 between them). Now when I push on the starboard side hull, it's rock solid. When I push on the port side hull, it gives a little because only screws hold the two pieces together (the gunnel and hull).

Hope this makes sense.