Plastimo contest 101 install 🤔

[IanCC]

Hi,
Trying to get my head around installing one of these. Believe it or not there are no youtube vids.
So how tight to go without breaking the stick thin plastic bolts and yet be sure it is watertight, it's in the face of the bridge deck after all? So little tolerance between bolts and edge of compass. The gasket is so thin it will not absorb much irregularity if any.

I just want to whack it in with some good quality gunk (it won't need to come out again) but it says no silicone. What could i use? Butyl tape is tempting.

All thoughts very much appreciated.

Ian

 

[IanCC]

Bump

 

[PabloPicasso]

Yes butyl tape, for all above the waterline fittings.

Roll it into the shape you need, rather like plasticine.

I agree with your summation that the plastic bolts, and gasket width are too thin. Could have been designed better. I think theyre a very old dersign.

I'm sure the opprtunity is there for some omeone to do a better job.

 

[IanCC]

Yes butyl tape, for all above the waterline fittings.

Roll it into the shape you need, rather like plasticine.

I agree with your summation that the plastic bolts, and gasket width are too thin. Could have been designed better. I think theyre a very old dersign.

I'm sure the opprtunity is there for some omeone to do a better job.

Thanks for response. Just not sure i will have the confidence to tighten down those pathetic bolts hard enough.

 

[peteK]

You will strip the thread before they snap.

 

[IanCC]

Same problem. Though i did snap the old one before stripping it.

 

[PCUK]

Replace bolts with 316 stainless, then you won't break them.

 

[IanCC]

Replace bolts with 316 stainless, then you won't break them.

Yes, been wondering if that is possible. New compass is on boat, many miles away, so can't inspect.

 

[peteK]

I think the bolts are actually studs and are part of the plastic casing.

 

[IanCC]

I think the bolts are actually studs and are part of the plastic casing.

Yes, but it says they can be tightened either from the inside or the outside. So it's worth a look. The instructions are, basically, useless.

 

[Refueler]

I fitted with the supplied gear to the bulkhead front of cockpit ... never leaked .....

I did the plastic bots up quite tight - enough to see that the gasket to face was closed ...

 

[IanCC]

I fitted with the supplied gear to the bulkhead front of cockpit ... never leaked .....

I did the plastic bots up quite tight - enough to see that the gasket to face was closed ...

Thanks for that. But the last one leaked and i couldn't get it tight enough to stop it. Was old though. Plastic bolt snapped trying to get it watertight.

 

[Refueler]

Thanks for that. But the last one leaked and i couldn't get it tight enough to stop it. Was old though. Plastic bolt snapped trying to get it watertight.

If you need to go that tight - then imho - somethings wrong in the fitting ..... maybe surface that gasket is mating to has some imperfection or not truly flat / level .... the gasket cannot cater for any slight curvature etc.

To overcome such - local supermarket / DIY shop ... get a roll of double sided adhesive foam tape. Use that as the gasket .. being soft - it will conform to the mount area ... being adhesive both sides will increase sealant property .. but remains easily removed later if needed.

 

[IanCC]

That is a good idea. Thank you. Totally agreed.

 

[Refueler]

Trick is to apply the tape around in sections ... put in place - bolt up .... slightly compress the foam tape .... then run sharp scalpel round the outside to remove the excess foam tape ... carefully so you don't 'drag' the tape ..

 

[IanCC]

Trick is to apply the tape around in sections ... put in place - bolt up .... slightly compress the foam tape .... then run sharp scalpel round the outside to remove the excess foam tape ... carefully so you don't 'drag' the tape ..

Again, thank you.

 

[IanCC]

Trick is to apply the tape around in sections ... put in place - bolt up .... slightly compress the foam tape .... then run sharp scalpel round the outside to remove the excess foam tape ... carefully so you don't 'drag' the tape ..

I guess, in a marine environment, that tape will need replacing every so often. My engine is directly underneath so it needs to stay tight.

 

[Refueler]

I guess, in a marine environment, that tape will need replacing every so often. My engine is directly underneath so it needs to stay tight.

I've used that tape on items and lasted years ......

 

[IanCC]

For anyone who passes this way again.

There is a screw hole at the bottom of the compass. Tricky to spot if you are not looking for it. It isn't mentioned in the instructions.

Where the little wire from the compass light passes through the plastic casing it is not sealed .

I put butyl tape around all bolt heads, the screw and the electric wire and finally it didn't leak!

 

[vyv_cox]

I realise the job is done but just a warning about substituting stainless bolts. The manufacturing process, either machining or stamping the bolts to shape, can cause stainless steel, especially 304, to become magnetically attracted. This would not be ideal in a compass!