what is the best way to re-seal the rub rail?

[tfret]

I have a 1984 Dixie ski boat and it takes on some water from the rub rail. I can see gaps in the silicon sealant on the bottom side of the rub rail. I suspect this is where it gets in.
1. Can I simply re-seal over the existing silicon that is already there?
2. If not, how to remove existing silicon or prep it to be re-sealed?
3. Is there any particular silicon sealant that works best for this application?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: what is the best way to re-seal the rub rail?

Do whatever it takes to get the silicone out. Plastic putty knife, razor blade, finger nail...

Clean up the area under the rub rail with a mild solvent (denatured alcohol works).

Get some painters tape and mask off the area around where the bead of sealer will be applied, one line of tape on the hull and one line of tape on the rub rail. Allow about 1/8" or so of exposed hull and of exposed rub rail.

Apply a bead of POLYURETHANE sealer, not silicone. 3m 4200 would technically be the right sealer to use, but I've used PL brand door and window caulk with good results for this at a much lower cost. Wear protective gloves, because that stuff will be on your hands for a week otherwise, and smooth out the bead of caulk (which will also press it into any gaps).

CAREFULLY remove the tape as soon as your done smoothing the bead, then allow a few days for the caulk to cure unmolested.