Rubrail Caulking Removal?

[Michael O']

My boat has a rubrail which the previous owner caulked at the hull/rubrail joint. I'm a bit "tidy" about my boat and I don't think the application looks all that attractive. So.... I'm thinking of removing the caulking.Any experience with this? I mean - does the rubrail provide a potential source of leaks like the toe-rail on other boats? If so, I'd still prefer to remove the existing caulking and re-apply.... any suggestions on caulking material?Thanks, and fair winds!Michael O's/v "Frigate"

 

[Dakota Jim Russell]

Wife did it.

Didn't get the size or make of your boat. However we removed the caulk on a Hunter 340 and replaced it with a marine caulk (not 5200). The rub rail on a Hunter 340 does not offer a potential leakage point for the boat. While the hulls are caulked and bolted together at this point the rub rail provides no additional water protection. In fact, most of my rub rail is not caulked forward of the cockpit.The rub rail only offers rub rail protection.Used acetone to clean up the old caulk as well as the rub rail. Washed the rub rain immediately after use to minimize residue.Looks nice at the moment. Ask me in one year <grin>.