The cap rails on our WS42, are in need of a good make-over.  While dinged up over the boats almost 40 years of service, they don't need much more than a good refinishing.

However!  We experience an hugely irritating leak from the cap rail and bulwark area on both sides of the boat.  My first attempt at remedying the problem was to caulk the entire inboard and outboard seam between cap rail and fiberglass bulwark.  That worked for nearly 3 years while we were on the hard restoring the boat.

Once we launched, the leaks returned.  I do know that the sheet metal screws that attache the teak to the bulwark are an obvious source of the leaks.  However, very few of them leak:  just a couple!!!

One solution that has been fabulously detail in the forum vis a vis the WS32 is to remove the cap rail, glass over the bulwark joint and then tap machine screws into the fiberglass.  That process essentially seals the bulwark joint.  But what a process!

Yes, the scarf joints provide a potential source of water flowing under the teak. Additionally, there are some aging crack in the teak.  These can  be repaired with the methods discussed so far.  Moreover, the cutaways for the chainplates offer additional openings, but caulking them completely is challenging.

Before I commission the drastic repair involved in removing the cap rail, etc, I will attempt another caulking foray.  My first attempt employed System3 epoxy caulk, but I have seen failure in that caulking.  While 5200 is a PITA to work with, it may provide a more permanent filler.  The topping with 4000 UV is a great idea.

Great thread!

Doug on WS42 Harmony