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sailortype · 22-11-2020, 08:47

"I use silicone to seal stubborn leaks in areas where I won't be able to re-bed anytime soon (such as the toerail) or a window that I intend to replace. It is really, really hard to remove all traces when going back to replace or re-bed, but I've done it enough times I'm comfortable doing so, it just takes a LOT of patience (and sharp razor blades)."
it is not the removal of the bead that is of concern. The silicone oil contaminates the surface of the fiberglass and nothing will ever adhere to it again (and as Gord May is about to say... 'not even silicone' : )

Never ever ever use silicone on fiberglass surfaces. There are a jillion other products, all with their own merits. Do not use silicone.

sailortype · 22-11-2020, 08:49

"I have used a vinyl foam tape that is double stick on my large forehatch and 12 years later, I have never had a leak from that hatch."

how did you seal the screw holes..? the tape does not do that

SV__Grace · 22-11-2020, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailortype

"I use silicone to seal stubborn leaks in areas where I won't be able to re-bed anytime soon (such as the toerail) or a window that I intend to replace. It is really, really hard to remove all traces when going back to replace or re-bed, but I've done it enough times I'm comfortable doing so, it just takes a LOT of patience (and sharp razor blades)."
it is not the removal of the bead that is of concern. The silicone oil contaminates the surface of the fiberglass and nothing will ever adhere to it again (and as Gord May is about to say... 'not even silicone' : ) Never ever ever use silicone on fiberglass surfaces. There are a jillion other products, all with their own merits. Do not use silicone.

That's exactly what I tell others!

What do you suggest I use to seal a leak until I can re-bed or replace?

SV__Grace · 22-11-2020, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailortype

how did you seal the screw holes..? the tape does not do that

Easy to wrap a small piece of Butyl tape around the threads of a screw, and when screwing down the excess will pop up and is easy to pull off by hand. I often use butyl for this purpose to seal screws in exposed areas when needed even if the bedding is something else.

sailortype · 22-11-2020, 08:56

"What do you suggest I use to seal a leak until I can re-bed or replace?"
any of the polysulphides... BoatLife/3M/Sika etc etc
ANYTHING but silicone. Don't even allow silicone on the dock.

sailortype · 22-11-2020, 08:58

"Easy to wrap a small piece of Butyl tape around the threads of a screw"
yes, this is how I wd do it, first countersinking the hole slightly. But tape alone will not seal the holes, just the flats

Disailor · 22-11-2020, 17:46

I now use butyl tape with the following technique: Countersink the fastener hole to form a conical pit with the bolt hole at the bottom. Lay on the tape but do not cover the conical hole. Put the bolt into the hatch & roll out a "worm" of butyl. Form it into a donut around the bolt up against the underside of the hatch lip. When the assembly is installed, the donut will fill the conical hole & the sloping sides of the hole will compress the sealant around the fastener.

Butyl tape is very sticky & will wind itself around the bolt. This will distort the seal & risk failure. Snug down the fastener to squeeze out a little (!). Next day snug again. 3rd day again & trim the excess. A little wd40 on your blade will help to keep the stuff from sticking.

Disailor · 22-11-2020, 17:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailortype

"Easy to wrap a small piece of Butyl tape around the threads of a screw"
yes, this is how I wd do it, first countersinking the hole slightly. But tape alone will not seal the holes, just the flats

Amen, Brother!