Adhesive for rub rail?

[Oberon5]

My rub rail popped off today (port side) and I noticed some adhesive residue behind it. Before I pop it back in should I install some marine adhesive? This is an 08 Challenger 180 with the pop-in rubrail- there is no aluminum or rivets involved (there will be one day though, this rub rail is not very durable). .

 

[Dr Honda]

If you are talking about the rail, insert... then no, you don't need adhesive. Just put a flat screwdriver in on the lip, and push it back into the base.

 

[RFoster130]

Ive had good luck with just leaving it in the sun till it softens a bit then just whack it back in with a rubber mallet or your fist. Ive seen some people try to hold it back in by using silicone, i think it just makes a mess.

 

[Oberon5]

Thanks for the replies, I determined that the adhesive residue was from the deck joint sealant placed over the rivets. I tapped the rub rail back in using a mallet and a rag to shield the plastic from marks. On the stern I had to pressure wash out some sand that had gotten into the rub rail channels before it would attach. No big deal, GTG now! 35 hours on my 08, taking it easy on the engine to avoid stressing the supercharger. This boat pounds in rough water so no point in airing it out too much. It sure would be neat if one of the jet boat manufacturers would make a small boat like this with a much deeper V hull like a miniature Fountain, that would be a blast. My next boat will be a heavier V hull but this one is fun for what it is.