sealant advice required

[1107]

Last year I took on ownership of a 24' trailer sailer.Viewing the evidence some of the fittings have been sealed using evo stick nail & seal, a white rubberized mastic. I know the product well, it is very good in a diy environment, but something tells me it may not fair so well in a saltwater one. However it has stood up well outside over winter, & this makes me ask the question, as it's only going to be in the water 2-3 weeks per year would it do for a while ?. I would welcome comments from anyone who's tried this.

 

[David52]

I know some people who use Evo-Stick GripFill as a poor mans Sikka Flex and have had no problems. although probably doesn't help! Out of interest are these fittings below the waterline?

 

[yoda]

I have also used nail and seal on things like rubber trim where it's glueing properties were more important. Where something is being fixed with other means such as bolts I see no need for it and use a proper sealant. I wouldn't use it under water and it seems OK after a year, how much longer it will last I don't know.

Yoda

 

[ShipsWoofy]

As you are already asking the question, why not replace it with the proper stuff.

Otherwise you are going to have a constant fear of failure and sleepless nights hoping your baby is going to be ok out on her mooring whichever!

Anything critical like skin fittings, take em off, clean them and apply lots of sika flex, you know it will make you feel better, why take the chance for a days work and a £12.00 tube?

 

[1107]

Many Thanks for your comments
No the fittings are all above the waterline & are bolted down as well, also where the deck joins the hull that is always a place prone to the elements & some cracking has occured. A thought was to run an alluminium strip along the inside & then bolt through the whole thing gunnels an all, but seal it all up using the same stuff if possible. Its not that I have an objection to using the reccomended sealents but I have wondered just how much more effective they are when you spend 5 times the price on a product that detaches itself becuse teak oil has got on it.

--------- Wish the weekend was in the middle, just to break it up a bit.

 

[1107]

Thanks Yoda, Ships woofy.
Think what may happen then is, whats on is on, & see how we go. It isn't going to be left in the water for long periods. Ever covered a yatch in Pitch ?