I can't stop the leaks!

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Driftwoods

<rant>
replaced my ports with new stainless steel ones from Newfound Metals and I can't get the leak(s) stopped. I chased down many, used about 3 times as much butyl tape as I expected and it shows in the installation videos (I mean I used a *ton* of that stuff). I used half a bottle of crack cure, will use the other half tomorrow...

Sounds like very poor technique.

Years ago I replaced TN's 6 ports with Newfound Metals ports and still have no leaks. If by butyl tape you mean the black strips used by auto glass installers, that is only one small element of this installation. Cutting the openings accurately, drilling the fastener holes accurately, cleaning the surfaces properly, trimming the bolt lengths, tightening sequence, Type of caulk used--all are important. And there should be NO black tape showing when the job is finished, only a thin line of caulk (I used Lifeseal).

[minaret]

When torquing fasteners on hardware bedded in butyl, I usually heat up the part with a heat gun. Works great, more initial squeeze out, less clean up later, better bond to substrate and part.

[Canibul]

Originally Posted by minaret

When torquing fasteners on hardware bedded in butyl, I usually heat up the part with a heat gun. Works great, more initial squeeze out, less clean up later, better bond to substrate and part.

no need here. Just leave it in the sun for fifteen minutes. Any day of the year.

[Driftwoods]

No doubt my technique is a little off - after all, I've never done it before. I'm sure by the time I'm through with the job ( at port 11 ) I'll have it down.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Driftwoods

No doubt my technique is a little off - after all, I've never done it before. I'm sure by the time I'm through with the job ( at port 11 ) I'll have it down.

And then you can be a CF expert and comment on everyone else's approach

[Driftwoods]

Originally Posted by Paul L

And then you can be a CF expert and comment on everyone else's approach

LMAO

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Paul L

And then you can be a CF expert and comment on everyone else's approach

Once you have four decades as a boat builder you can be a CF expert too.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Once you have four decades as a boat builder you can be a CF expert too.

That's what I like about the place. You get comments and feedback from people who have been there - done that, along with the ones that start out with 'I've never done anything remotely similar, but this is the way"

[Canibul]

There are several levels of CF experts, I've found. There's a lot of good help here, for sure, but there are some experts that would be better classified as second tier. I'm thinking of the ones who read a lot more than they boat. Still some theoretical information of use, but to be consumed with large crystals of sodium chloride.

My grandfather had his definition of expert. He said it was a descriptive word. "X" is an unknown quantity and "spurt" is just another drip under pressure.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Canibul

It's raining in Texas? Cool. We're going to Austin next week and Lake Travis is down 50 ft.

Be sure to visit "Hippie Hollow" when your there.

[Glenn.Brooks]

Well, when you get tired of messing with synthetic and/or hi tech sealers, or more more likely when your ports start leaking again, you can fix them for good by bedding everything with Dolphinite. dolphinite started out life as a wood bedding compound, but works just fine - superbly actually on fittings bolted down on Fiberglass. It never hardens up, cleans up instantly with paint thinner, and never leaks. I re bedded my aluminum frame cabin ports three times with all the usual technie boat stuff, including butyl and 5200, and never had a dry seal. Finally went back to Dolphinite and have never had a leak when I used the stuff - unless I didn't apply it properly. Now, it's all I use on my alberg 30- ports, stanchions, whatever I want to keep the water out.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[pinball]

Where do ya get dolphinite


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Glenn.Brooks]

Looks like Jamestown distributors sells it on line on the east coast and fishery supply in Seattle. I buy it locally at the marine supply store. Suspect it can be ordered by your local marine supplier. A quart goes a long way - I usually buy the mahogany color. Btw cleans up really easily with thinner. Fantastic stuff.

Originally Posted by pinball

Where do ya get dolphinite



Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[The Way]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

... there should be NO black tape showing when the job is finished, only a thin line of caulk (I used Lifeseal).

Terra Nova -- I noticed on the Maine Sail site also the use of caulk as well as butyl, but he didn't explain why. I just use butyl, tighten, and trim the excess.

So what's the purpose of the caulk?

Thanks,
Jack

[The Way]

Originally Posted by Driftwoods

<rant>
replaced my ports with new stainless steel ones from Newfound Metals and I can't get the leak(s) stopped. I chased down many, used about 3 times as much butyl tape as I expected and it shows in the installation videos (I mean I used a *ton* of that stuff). I used half a bottle of crack cure, will use the other half tomorrow - I don't care if I bathe the entire deck in that stuff.

Scrubbing surfaces with acetone is essential to getting a good seal with butyl. Apologies if you know this already.

Fair winds,
Jack