marine Velcro

[simon_head]

I am replacing my bunk cushions which require velcro to keep in place (a trailer sailer). Does anyone know whether there is any marine grade velcro available? The old cushions had standard velcro sikaflexed to the hull which worked but is a sod to get off (ive done it now!).

If I do sikaflex the new velcro on the hull which glue should I use to stick the matching tape on the material?

I would prefer using standard adhesive velcro rather than using sikaflex.

Thanks for any answers (in anticipation)!

Simon Head

 

[LadyInBed]

I've seen wide heavy duty Velcro in B&Q.
If you use an adhesive, I recommend putting brass tacks / staples in the corners, stops them becoming dog eared.

 

[seumask]

Be aware of Velcro, if its sat on regularly it can get very difficult to tear apart, less rather than more under bunk seats in my opinion, so that leads me to think you probably dont need industrial size strips that would be more easily found.

 

[colingr]

Have a look at Bond-Tight Marine Fastener

Clicky

A bit like velcro but not hook and eye. A stronger bond but stays the same over time.

 

[Nigel_Ward]

RS components sell hook and loop tapes in 5m rolls

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/ (search for "hook and loop tapes")

I have used RS velcro for years and it always seems pretty good

 

[mikejames]

The Sikaflex is because the adhesive on Velcro will only stick to smooth, clean surfaces. Old fibreglass is also quite often covered in residues of years of use.
In general , the Velcro hook and loop is actually stronger than the glue holding the Velcro on. The glue also goes hard and brittle in time.

The only place where I have seen the adhesive Velcro actually stick well was on the gelcoat in the cockpit where about 6 years ago a small daughter placed some pieces in a pattern in a corner. Nothing was hung from the loops of the Velcro , and the pieces are now difficult to remove. ... .

So the choices are to use Sikaflex which as you say actually sticks, the fact it is hard to remove is a good sign.
Or you can use contact glue(which will give up in the end but works initially) - I tried the orange Trade Tack spray glue and this seems to stick about 6 month old adhesive Velcro strongly enough to old fibreglass.

 

[S2Jimlad]

3M Scotchgrip contact adhesive. I used to work on helicopters in the deep maintenance phase. All the soundproofing is held in with velcro and we used to replace it all with scotch grip. Very strong stuff if used correctly.

 

[Drascomber]

Am I alone in getting anoyed when companies do not put an address on their website.

 

[S2Jimlad]

Even worse, they insist you send a message in a little box, then you have to await a reply. Why don't people want to talk anymore?