Sailingdeacon,
If you look back, there were LOTS of posts on that subject.
My rail was ripped off by a collision with a HUNTER42 (unfair!), and I replaced what was left with a TACO Aluminum rail. Two sections each side with new holes. Looks better than before and not a big deal. The old ones looked horrible in comparison. Cleaning the hull-deck joint, patching with 5200 here and there, drilling and then caulking the new screws was not a big deal...and I did not have a choice. BTW, I used the opportunity to repaint the cove stripe, too.
I love boating!