We are down to the last six months before our intended cruise down Alaskas inside passage  to Seattle and maddly trying to get the Tyee as waterproof as possible.

I was looking at your pictures in your members photo. wow man, the one picture with the frost all over your boat looks like some scary si-fi move. Your rub rail problem. Thats what happens when people don't over think it or just take the cheapest way, take short cuts or just think they are doing the right thing.  Just staple it on and crazy glue it. "Thats it for my sarcasm". Don't use wood for backing. Its cheap, cost cutting for builders using leftovers.  I Did ever thing over on my boat about 24 years ago, give or take. My boat is still as dry as a bone. And I check on every thing continually so things don't get to far gone, and in the long run keeps repairs and damage and cost to a minimum.  I installed large SS fender flats with polyurethane caulking, with no wood and no problem. If you think you need some type of material behind the nuts & washers use some kind of plastic. My rub rail it works excellent for my situations. I have some very long "fenders " about 45 inches, so the rail helps them roll of the hull. If you have tied up to concrete walls or canals or rusted metal docks you might think it over "but don't over think it". The definition of a rub rail doesn't mean looks. But if you are going to build something you may as well make it look good. My two cents worth.

Food for thought : 

For all the westsailers who recommend using materials that don't belong in boats or to do things the cheapest way doesn't say much for our boats. Remember all this is public domain. And for those wondering why westsails are loosing there value $ are not selling it doesn't help. The market is  anther story.

Lawrence..May the wind always be in your sail.

Just a point.

I have sailed without rub rails for 10+ years for which I only had a couple of times which I would have like to have them on, but ? if they would have been at the right height for the operation.

Without them, I am careful to fender (or fender board) the correct areas.  If I ever were to add them, I would look to epoxy the material (or attachments for the material) to the outside of the hull. (I am not a fan of wood on the exterior of the boat however)

Please note; I have not done much mooring to pilings and never locked up or down so ? if these are needed in those type of operations.

Hope this helps

We removed ours in 05', they weren't leaking, but to replace the chain plates. It turned out the chain plates were still good, but we replaced them as a precaution since they were off anyway.  Reinstallation was just like the factory had done. Screws every 6" and bedded in 5200, although Boatlife would probably been a better choice but we'll never take them off again.  ( that's a statement I've regretted many times)  There's no need for bolts or backing plates.

Jim

"Useless over kill"  would that be a oxymoron.  Not sure what ditto is in nautical terms. But it sure sounds cute. No such thing as over kill in a blue water sailboat. The reason why most of us bought a westsail is because of its strength. Live and learn. Diagnosis is the key to solving a problem, and thats what separates master tradesmen from internet experts. The most probable reason why you have a leaking rub rails is because it is starting to separate from the hull. The probable cause, factory screws coming loose. The house hold Latex caulking or what ever kid it was, " Or I Forgot the name of it"  is no longer living up to it's 35 year guarantee. But the sales rep at home depot  assured me its the latest thing for house hold widows. And thats good enough for my blue water sailboat. "wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!". Boy I'm glad i didn't need the internet thirty years ago to help repair a boat. 

Lawrence: May the wind always be in your sails.