Rub Rail Leaks

[Michaeldi23]

I have posted before that the rub-rail leaks on my compac 16'. My boat is in the water right now and there is know way for me to trailer it in order to do a complete repair(Pulling off rubrail and replacing caulk) So I know this I probably not a good Idea but I was thinking of ways to get me through this sailing season. Maybe usinging a caulk around the rubrail on the exterior. My main problem is the leak are on the rubrail behind the cockpit so I cannot seal from the inside. If anyone has a better Idea I'd like the info. Thanks

[mgoller]

Hey Michael,
The sheer line of the 16 is such that water runs from the bow down along the rubrail and pools at about 2/3 of the way back.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with caulking between the deckside and the rubrail.  Use a clear acrylic silicone meant for outside.  Its better than water in the boat.  If you do a nice job it will work for a long time and look good.
My Bayliner ski boat has a rub rail tucked into an aluminum channel that is....caulked with silicone to the hull.
I'm not sure why it isn't a good idea for the ComPac in the first place.
Water will run off the deck and off the rubrail rather than lying inside the rub rail and washing dirt to the hull join.