Gentlemen,
Thanks for the replies. Your comments echo my thoughts. I'm going with the flexible vinyl rail shown above for three reasons. I't "original". It's heavy duty (I learned a long time ago to proactively "use" the piling to touch and go to control the bow in wind or current). Finally, it will cover the darned Tracker quality cap fit, which is tight on one side and 1/4" on the other. I bought several tubes of caulk in anticipation.
Here's poor Tom DAing bottom paint. Thank God for creepers, full face masks and Tyvek suits.
Regards,
Otto