leaking from toe rail

[steven]

i own a '76, 27' hunter and live in south florida...it's our rainy season now and practically the whole port side carpet that rests along the interior port side is damp..i've re-caulked the portholes and that hasn't helped...i believe the water is coming in from the toe rail..i've tightened the bolts and that hasn't helped either...i guess re-caulking the entire toe rail, stem to stern is in order..do you think it is necessary to loosen all the bolts and caulk underneath the rail as well, or will i be able to get away with caulking the rail while it is still fastened securely? What caulking compound do you recommend?

 

[TOM M.]

Water water every where, so how's it getting in?

Water coming in from the toe rail has to find the access holes the 3/8" bolt holes every 6" putting a blob of sealant along the toe rail inside edge or on the top of the pan head bolts doesn't cut it, You are going to have to lift the toe rail about 1/2" with wedges, then then shoot 5200 under the rail especially at the bolts remove the wedges the weight will disperse the 5200 draw down the area,s that are too high(more than 1/4") with the bolts, but wait about 4 hours min. to draw the bolts tight, the 5200 will be more elastic, then do the other side, NOTE: that 5200 is the most sloppiest shit to work with, it ges on everything including you, good luck, hey do one side at a time !

 

[Ken Reed]

Take a look

I have an 81 27 and I can visually inspect almost every one of the toe rail bolts from the inside of the boat. Might take an extension mirror and some contortions, but you might want to confirm that they are actually leaking b4 you take on resealing the rail. Also check stanchion bolts.