Rigid Vinyl Rub Rail not caulked?

[henrym]

I'm wondering why the Rigid Vinyl Rub Rail was not back caulked when it was installed? Without any caulking water, soapsuds, grit and grime collect behind the Rigid Vinyl Rub Rail. When it rains the collected water runs down the sides of the hull causing streaks that tend to discolor the gelcoat. In fact, this is the first boat of many that I have owned that the rub rail teak or vinyl has not been back back caulked.
Henry

 

[Andrew Custis]

When we join the Deck to the hull we seal the joint all the way around the boat, under the black rub rail. Water can run under the black rub rail but cannot enter the boat. When we join the two it is called a Shoebox fit where the deck overlaps the hull. Other then leaving streaks of water that would be the only reason to seal the rub rail. With the three different companies I have built boats for I have never seen any that were caulked top and bottom. In most cases that I did see caulking it was to hide the gap that was formed from the rub rail not seated all the way to the hull and deck.

On the other hand after speaking with Jim Gilbert (Production Manager) about his building days they did seal all of the boats they built. At this point it was a decision that Ranger Tugs decided to make. I personally dont think its a bad idea at all but this is also the first time I have had any feedback or complaints about it. I am always open for suggestions and I take the feedback very seriously. Always a big thanks for the feedback and support we get from our customers!

 

[captain's cat]

I'd think it would be pretty simple to take a tube of clear silicone and go around the top joint on the rub rail to keep water/dirt from getting behind it. KISS principle!

Charlie