C-30 RubRail Leaks

[Rob19574]

Hi All -

I have a '78 Catalina 30 and noticed several rainwater leaks around my rub-rails. Its the original rub-rail on the boat (gold). Its leaking rainwater into the forward V-berth near and around the anchor locker, the aft lazarette and occasionally along the sides in the cabin I will notice slight moisture build-up. I've spent the last several years re-bedding ALL topside fixtures so nothing else leaks (even the ports). I even water tested the rubrail and conformed the leak.

Any ideas here or reccomendations on how to fix this issue? I did a temporary fix with clear silicon along the rail where it meets the topside and it seems to hold. What would be the proper and permenant fix here? I noticed Catalina Direct sells replacement rub-rail but I believe its leaking at the screws on the aluminum rails. Would it be advisable to remove and reseal the screws under the rubber? I believe these hold the hull-to-deck joint together and I don't want to compromise the integrity.

Thanks and I appreciate the advice.

- Rob

 

[foolproof]

I re-did mine when I painted the boat. You have to take out the rubber part of the rubrail to get the aluminum part off (it's screwed on). Once it's off you can reseal each screw hole using Butyl tape. I would even put a line of tape on the aluminum above the screws for added protection. And, if I remember correctly, the aluminum comes off in three pieces.

Good luck!

 

[Rob19574]

Thanks. Are the screws though that are obviously leaking holding the hull-deck joint together? Do you think removing these is a bad idea or should I try resealing around them? What did it look like when you took them out?

Thanks - Rob

 

[foolproof]

Yes, that is what holds the deck and jull together, in addition to some glue in the joint. You can take the screws out, but I wouldn't sail while you have them all out! Should be no problem to do.

 

[Ward H]

Different boat, same theory.
On my O'day 25 I had several leaks under the rub rail. I had a rubber insert and plastic backing. I took the entire rub rail off. Under the backing were the deck to hull joint screws.
A couple at a time, I backed them out half way, put a good glob of 3M 4200 on the screws, then put them back in tight. Many were loose as were the screws holding the rub rail.
I then filled the rub rail mounting screw holes with West System 610 Thicked Epoxy. This comes in a caulk type tube. I filled all the holes, then smoothed.
Then I installed new rub rail, drilling new holes through the rail into the deck and used 4200 on those as well. Boat has been dry since.
I had been advised not to use butyl tape for rub rail as you can not get the correct and even compression needed, when you use screws.

 

[Rob19574]

thank you -- very helpful information.