Leakage at rub rail

[Ernie Rogers]

I too have been collecting rain water around the keel bolt wells in the cabin of my '86 h23. Per recent posting and the archives, I checked and found some leakage at screws at the hull/deck seam and at the aft corners. For a "quick-fix," I just removed the stern section of the rub rail and about 4 feet up each side and re-sealed the screws and seam. When I went to snap in the rubber, it had shrunk back about a half inch on each side just over this short distance. I was able to stretch it back enough to get the screws at the ends back in, but not in the original holes. The boat was in the water then, so that's as far as I went. She's on the trailer now, so it is my plan to redo the entire seam, but I'm concerned about the shrinkage. Are there any tips for making 15 year old neoprene stretch better/easier?Also, the postings are about evenly split as to whether the rub rail receiver should be caulked: top and bottom, top only, or not at all, just the seam and screw holes. I need some more votes to break the tie! LOLThanks in advance for your replies.Ernie Rogersh23 Whimsy II

 

[Mark Major]

Just caulk seam

I replaced my rub rail assembly about a year ago with new ones ordered from Hunter. I think the total was around $75, and it wasn't that hard of a job. As far as caulk, just do the hull/deck seam, for the rail without caulk makes for cleaner lines (I've done both ways, and it still leaks a bit either way). If you do replace the assembly, you will have to fill the old holes and drill new, counter sinking the screws. Good luck.