deck hull flange

[keao]

My 1991 43' hunter legend has an outward deck to hull flange. under the toe rail there seems to be two issues,

1: small hairline cracks about 5 inches long sporadically through out the length of the boat in the curve of the underside lip
are these hairline cracks common and not an issue? or does the toe-rail need to be removed and this section sanded down and re-glassed?


2: On the over hung toe rail (the bottom) seems to have caulking or 5200 coming out.
Can i simply re-caulk it in place or must the entire toe rail and deck to hull bolts be removed and re caulked?

has anyone else had these problems and decided to resolve them?

thxs for your help

 

[Bill Roosa]

The hairline cracks are evidence that the boat has had some stress. Nothing to worry about if they are the one indicators.
The sealant is just over flow from the construction process. you could trim it if you want but there is no need.
Do you have a water leak??

 

[Jim Haynie]

I think Bill Roosa's last question is MOST important. Yes, I do believe in preventative maintenance, but with something as massive as removing toerail, separating decks, re-seal, and replace there would need to be a definite problem before I would touch it. This is a clear case of when I would adhere to the "first rule of electronics": "If it works, don't try to fix it". Seems like asking for major and continuing problems if you mess with this needlessly. Mine is same configuration form 1988 and I have NO indication of leaks whatever though I know she has hit a couple of docks good and hard when I was first learning and therre are lots of little (age) cracks in the aluminum.