Cap & Inner Liner Seal/Seam

[ptruluck]

My 1986 20 ft CC has an unsightly seam/seal (currently filled with some sort of white silicone caulk) where the top cap and inner liner meet.....the seam runs along the topside from the bow to the stern.

The white sealant has darkened and has a lot of mildew underneath. If I try and peel out the existing sealant/caulk, it pulls up pieces of the non-slip topside surface along either side of the seam making the problem look even worse.

Would like to pull all of the sealer out of the seam and have the seam permanently filled and the top side repainted to give smooth/even appearance. Any reason, other than removing the cap or inner liner, in the future, that I shouldn't do this?

Any suggestions on what are the best materials/products for filling the seam so flush with the top side before painting?

Suggestions on best paint product to hopefully match the inner liner??? Awlgrip?

Thank you for any and all help!