When Installing a new aluminum rub rail the question arises whether to caulk it.
Argument A: A line of caulk along the top contact would prevent dirt from building up inside the rub rail and gradually passing through it, streaking the hull.
Argument B: You are wasting your time caulking it. Any caulk will itself yellow and capture dirt. The streaks you see on the hull won't be stopped by any rub rail, and dirt does not have to weep inside the rub rail to create the streaking effect.
As far as I can see, the factory rub rail was not caulked along the top. It has a thick bead of white caulk where the aluminum contacts the flange. I don't know why.
Advice or opinions welcomed.
Argument A: A line of caulk along the top contact would prevent dirt from building up inside the rub rail and gradually passing through it, streaking the hull.
Argument B: You are wasting your time caulking it. Any caulk will itself yellow and capture dirt. The streaks you see on the hull won't be stopped by any rub rail, and dirt does not have to weep inside the rub rail to create the streaking effect.
As far as I can see, the factory rub rail was not caulked along the top. It has a thick bead of white caulk where the aluminum contacts the flange. I don't know why.
Advice or opinions welcomed.