In the 10 years I've owned my W32 I've stripped and varnished my caprails, rubrail, etc. at least 3-4 times.  Being under an awning my inboard teak is not subject to the tropical sun so it doesn't require as much maintenance.

I recently removed my caprails to re-bed/re-caulk them.  In the process I 'treated' the underside with epoxy resin.  I'm thinking I might do the same with the top using West Systems Epoxy (for penetration) then finish with some good varnish for U/V protection.

Has anyone tried this and if so, have you found any 'upside or 'downside' having done it?

Mike:  I have made additional notes in the members FAQ pages on calking the caprails... please reread as the Life Calk let loose in about 7 years under my caprail on the stb side.  I used SIS 440  per Bud and am hoping for better results. 

On the second section that I had to remove - I epoxied/glassed the deck / hull joint then used SIS 440 for additional sealent for the caprail screws. 

I have also used epoxy only on the bottom of the caprail -- and if the epoxy is exposed to light - at all - then it just broke down.  I do use the epoxy (as a barrier and also with glass to strengthen) on the underside of the cap rail teak but not on the area that overhangs the bulworks.

 

Jay,

I was done with leaky caprails.  I'd had it.  I already had to rebuild my entire galley because of it. It's prettier and my icebox is now re-insulated but Never Again.

I too have had poor results with Life-Caulk (and 5200).  So after epoxying the bottom of my caprails I passed on using 'marine caulk' and used a commercial window caulking (Sikkaflex). I figure if it's good enough to weatherproof skyscraper windows it's good enough for me.

I filled the entire hull/deck joint to the top, 'squeegeed' it to a flat surface about 1/8" above the hull then squished the caprail down on top so as to squeeze a bead out on both sides when it was screwed down. Then I faired the bead, adding more Sikkaflex as necessary.  I think I used about 5-6 tubes on each side from bowsprit to boomkin.  I didn't think to glass the hull/deck joint together (arrgh) but

No. More. Leaks.

And to everyone else, thanks.  Per the advice I think I'll pass on epoxying the top of the caprails. It was a suggestion someone made to 'end varnish maintenance' and I thought it had to be too good to be true otherwise everyone would be doing it.