Simple repair

Little Dorrit

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Could anyone give me some basic repair advice on making good the perished rubber sealant between the toe rail and deck - see
redir.aspx
 
The picture at https://public.blu.livefilestore.co...0zeFzpyV5C5Pnqc6f1H8fxVQ/WP_000082.jpg?psid=1 and below with luck.

Looks as though there has been an attempt to seal the joint with a bead of ordinary silicone. Possibly just builder's silicone
Maybe something like Sikaflex 291 will give a longer lasting result if cleaned ( and primed) first

The long term solution may be to remove the whole lot and remake the entire joint.
Are you concerned about the whole toerail or just the stem head fitting. Resealing the stem head fitting alone should not be too big a job

WP_000082.jpg
 
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Thanks there are quite a few points of the toerail that have a similar problem so I am looking at a relatively easy repair, removing the toerail is not an option. What would you suggest for cleaning and priming?
 
Thanks there are quite a few points of the toerail that have a similar problem so I am looking at a relatively easy repair, removing the toerail is not an option. What would you suggest for cleaning and priming?

If you opt for a Sikaflex bead thorough cleaning and degreasing may be sufficient although there is a primer which might help.

See the Sikaflex Users guide http://www.kjhowells.com/hres/sikaflex_a_users_guide_1_.pdf

But wait for some other suggestions!
 
Silicon sealant can be very difficult to remove and the result of not removing all the silicon is that whatever you apply it will not stick long term, this is why all boat owners should avoid silicon, nothing sticks to it.

You will remove ALL traces of the old silicon, some Acetone will go a long way in helping in this area but it will not remove bulk layers, you have mechanicaly remove as much as possible.

A small soft brass brush and a lot of of rubbing helps.

Good luck and fair winds.:)
 
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