Rub Rail Adhesive

Hi everyone, been learning alot on this site and need some advice. Never posted before, just lurk alot.

I have a Swift Trawler 34 with a rubber rub rail that is adhered to a lip that protrudes where the hull and deck meet. It is beginning to come off. It looks like someone used some sort of caulk to hold it on. Looking for suggestions on what you use for rubber to the gel coat. Maybe 5200? Attached is a picture of the rail.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Rich

3-M 5200 is about the best I know of.

5200 is a very difficult product to deal with once it's on and dry. I quit using it because of that reason. If the rub rail needs to be removed for any reason, it will be a nightmare to clean off to make repairs or reseal. I've started relying on Sikaflex products more. 291 is recommended by their website for rubrails. That is what I would use and do use.


https://usa.sika.com/industry/en/in...ts_Yachts/01a401/01a401sa02/01a401sa0206.html


https://www.amazon.com/Sika-Sikafle...d502d57c15197cdbe079d32dbc1a3b&language=en_US

ben2go said:

5200 is a very difficult product to deal with once it's on and dry. I quit using it because of that reason. If the rub rail needs to be removed for any reason, it will be a nightmare to clean off to make repairs or reseal. I've started relying on Sikaflex products more. 291 is recommended by their website for rubrails. That is what I would use and do use.


https://usa.sika.com/industry/en/in...ts_Yachts/01a401/01a401sa02/01a401sa0206.html


https://www.amazon.com/Sika-Sikafle...d502d57c15197cdbe079d32dbc1a3b&language=en_US

Click to expand...

Thanks, I will give the Sikaflex a try.

4fun1 said:

Attached is a picture of the rail.

Click to expand...

If you haven't already... you might have a look underneath, to see if there are vertical screws inserted upwards from the bottom of the rub rail...

-Chris

4fun1 said:

Thanks, I will give the Sikaflex a try.

Click to expand...

You're welcome.

ranger42c said:

If you haven't already... you might have a look underneath, to see if there are vertical screws inserted upwards from the bottom of the rub rail...

-Chris

Click to expand...

Good suggestion. I should have thought to mention it.

ranger42c said:

If you haven't already... you might have a look underneath, to see if there are vertical screws inserted upwards from the bottom of the rub rail...



-Chris

Click to expand...

Probably should be, but there is none. I am going to see if it possible to put some. They may fall to close to the edge of the rubber and just rip out or damage the fiberglass lip

ben2go said:

5200 is a very difficult product to deal with once it's on and dry. I quit using it because of that reason. If the rub rail needs to be removed for any reason, it will be a nightmare to clean off to make repairs or reseal. I've started relying on Sikaflex products more. 291 is recommended by their website for rubrails. That is what I would use and do use.


https://usa.sika.com/industry/en/in...ts_Yachts/01a401/01a401sa02/01a401sa0206.html


https://www.amazon.com/Sika-Sikafle...d502d57c15197cdbe079d32dbc1a3b&language=en_US

Click to expand...

Just as an update, I did a small section and the sikaflex is working great.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will do the rest when we are on the hard for the winter.

4fun1 said:

Just as an update, I did a small section and the sikaflex is working great.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will do the rest when we are on the hard for the winter.

Click to expand...

You're welcome. I am happy it's working out for you too.

I used to use 3M 4000 but I have now gone to Sika products and really like them.

Comodave said:

I used to use 3M 4000 but I have now gone to Sika products and really like them.

Click to expand...

After having to remove 3M 4200 and 5200 I have sworn off those. Sikaflex products are so much easier to remove to make repairs, usually. No more jackhammering rub rails off.