bridge deck hatch refinish question

[horsecapt]

I've refinished the teak Bridge Deck Hatch on my '77 Stone Horse (#83) and find the sealant (3M 5200, I believe) between the teak slats (approx.1-2mm wide) is old, deteriorated, and no longer functional.

What might y'all recommend as a replacement sealant?

I'm thinking of using something hard and sandable rather than the "rubbery" silicone type of sealant... but would appreciate any and all thoughtful recommendations.

Thanks.
G'day.

 

[Poignard]

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... I'm thinking of using something hard and sandable ...

[/ QUOTE ]

One of the WEST epoxy handbooks describes a method, using epoxy which has been coloured black with graphite powder. The planks are set onto a piece of marine ply, in a bed of epoxy and the gaps between are filled with epoxy.

I have never tried it but it looks like a straightforward job.

 

[Woodlouse]

Scrape out the old sealant and redo it with sikaflex. Epoxy won't allow the planks to swell and shrink as conditions dictate, and so will eventually just end up with the teak ripping its self apart.

 

[horsecapt]

Good morning.
Thanks for the attention and comments.

Sikaflex has been recommended to me now a couple of times. I'll check it out and learn more.

Best wishes.

 

[Gordonmc]

I am sold on Life Caulk which is a sand-able polysulphide. I used it to rebed the capping pieces on my mahogany coachroof.
Comes in white and a brown which is barely distinguishable from the wood.

 

[Sequoiah1]

It used to be the case that silkaflex will only stay bonded to two sides and not three as in a deck seam so you will need to add tape to the bottom of the raked out groove before applying sealant. I think applies to most of these type of sealants. Things may have moved on now. Epoxy with additives is probaly the best so long as you treat it as a semi permanent solution.