how to repair separation of toe kick?

Iced-D

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Jul 18, 2024
Messages
52
Reaction score
13
Points
8
Location
Bainbridge Island
Website
www.youtube.com
Model
Gulfstream
In two areas I have a separation of the rubberized strip at the interior side wall. (Not sure of the name of this strip, so I've called it a toe kick for now.)
The most concerning, given the potential for water intrusion, is in the corner below the starboard side stepdown to the deck. I'll attach two pics, including a close-up.

There also is a second area separating in the corner below the helm seat -- see third pic.

Has anyone experienced this problem? Is there a way I can fix it myself properly, or is it something I need to take to the dealer? (Only 60 hours so far on this 2025 Gulfstream.)
 

Attachments

  • separation starboard deck at stepdown.jpg
    separation starboard deck at stepdown.jpg
    848.4 KB · Views: 10
  • separation starboard deck at stepdown - close up.jpg
    separation starboard deck at stepdown - close up.jpg
    344.2 KB · Views: 10
  • separation below helm seat.jpg
    separation below helm seat.jpg
    190.7 KB · Views: 10
That material has a self-adhesive backing and white plastic "rivets". It shrinks and doesn't like bends. You should see what it looks like on my 1997 Islander! It doesn't really seal anything. It's a cosmetic trim strip.

Since it is a new boat I would talk to the dealer.

You can caulk the exposed gaps but be sure to use a mildew resistant silicone caulk (available in off white). 3M 4000 is good too. UV stable but not mildew resistant but has more adhesive properties than silicone caulk. Either one can fill the gap and make it look neat.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Iced-D
Thanks. I will have the 100-hour service coming up and am making a list of "minor" items like this. Sounds like trying to seal that strip back may be a temporary fix, as would caulking -- either way something I'll need to keep after.
 
filling in the gap is an option but you may not like the look of the fat curved section. The vinyl shrinks a bit but the extent of your gaps makes me think that the installer of the trim either used a heated piece of trim or pulled the trim too tightly when installing it In both cases the trim will shrink when the weather cools.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Iced-D