sealant that doesn't stick like S#!t

[Dellquay13]

I want to fit a new solar vent, and want sealant that doesn't stick things together so permanently like Sikaflex. It's not going to be exposed to any UV light.
The vent has been supplied with a uPVC foam gasket, but with only 3 screw holes in the stainless cover I won't be able to get enough equal pressure to compress it by 30% all round. I've got some scapa uPVC tape that is a joy to use but needs equal and adjacent pressure that I don't have. Butyl tape would also have the problem.
So, I want a waterproof seal that is possible to take apart without destroying the vent or gelcoat, and preferably just a few quid from Screwfix.
Any suggestions?
TIA
Chris

 

[Tranona]

Arbokol 1000 a polysulphide, but not bargain basement.

 

[RobinBirch]

Stixall Adhesive & Sealant 290ml White | Toolstation

Clear, white or black.

 

[Neeves]

I want to fit a new solar vent, and want sealant that doesn't stick things together so permanently like Sikaflex. It's not going to be exposed to any UV light.
The vent has been supplied with a uPVC foam gasket, but with only 3 screw holes in the stainless cover I won't be able to get enough equal pressure to compress it by 30% all round. I've got some scapa uPVC tape that is a joy to use but needs equal and adjacent pressure that I don't have. Butyl tape would also have the problem.
So, I want a waterproof seal that is possible to take apart without destroying the vent or gelcoat, and preferably just a few quid from Screwfix.
Any suggestions?
TIA
Chris

Why not add 3 more screw holes

Jonathan

 

[Dellquay13]

Arbokol 1000 a polysulphide, but not bargain basement.

14-28 days cure time according to the data sheet.

 

[Dellquay13]

Stixall Adhesive & Sealant 290ml White | Toolstation

Clear, white or black.

I didn't want anything with strong adhesion, but thanks for the suggestion

 

[Tranona]

14-28 days cure time according to the data sheet.

Never found that a problem. Used it on windows, skin fittings, bedding deck fittings such as genoa tracks. Great stuff and never had a problem dismantling.

 

[Dellquay13]

Why not add 3 more screw holes

Jonathan

The nylon underseal / solar panel mount only contacts the stainless cover in a few places, the nylon between the contact points flexes and doesn't pressurise the foam at all 360 deg points. It was my first thought until closer inspection.

 

[Dellquay13]

Never found that a problem. Used it on windows, skin fittings, bedding deck fittings such as genoa tracks. Great stuff and never had a problem dismantling.

I'll look at it then, if you've found it reliably waterproof and non destructive. Thanks

 

[Neeves]

Chris,

Killjoy here

If this device is on the foredeck? is only held on with 3 screws (and non adhesive), sealant and the nylon (or polymer) flexes is there a danger of the whole thing being ripped off (or at least the seals being broken) with seas over the bow......?

Jonathan

 

[simonfraser]

Chris,

Killjoy here

If this device is on the foredeck? is only held on with 3 screws (and non adhesive), sealant and the nylon (or polymer) flexes is there a danger of the whole thing being ripped off (or at least the seals being broken) with seas over the bow......?

Jonathan

how well made is this vent, if you have to fix it before it is even installed .....

 

[andyc352]

I want to fit a new solar vent, and want sealant that doesn't stick things together so permanently like Sikaflex. It's not going to be exposed to any UV light.
The vent has been supplied with a uPVC foam gasket, but with only 3 screw holes in the stainless cover I won't be able to get enough equal pressure to compress it by 30% all round. I've got some scapa uPVC tape that is a joy to use but needs equal and adjacent pressure that I don't have. Butyl tape would also have the problem.
So, I want a waterproof seal that is possible to take apart without destroying the vent or gelcoat, and preferably just a few quid from Screwfix.
Any suggestions?
TIA
Chris

Use butyl tape. I use it for deck fittings. Non adhesive, so easy to remove fitting later.
Arboseal GZ Tape - ARBO

 

[LONG_KEELER]

I know an upmarket yacht builder that uses Arbomast BR .

It's easy to change the position of fittings if needed without any damage to the gelcoat. Sikafex is excellent but can leave unsightly markings.

 

[TrampBg]

For similar applications I'm using Hylomar Universal Blue, non-setting gasket and jointing compound.
Hylomar® Universal Blue

 

[biscuit]

For minor deck leaks, cable sealing etc GOLD LABEL AQUARIUM SEALER (use the pressurised can).
Best thing ever! Use one handed, doesnt go hard in tube like so many sealants, very effective, relatively easy to remove & works when wet (even underwater!)

 

[Bobc]

Butyl

 

[PetiteFleur]

I would also use Butyl tape, easy to remove if necessary. I've used it for all sorts of sealing on the boat and at home. Last time was refitting an opening Rutgerson window on a friends boat - used 2 layers as one would not have been sufficient.

 

[PCUK]

Any non setting mastic will do the job!

 

[Dellquay13]

Chris,

Killjoy here

If this device is on the foredeck? is only held on with 3 screws (and non adhesive), sealant and the nylon (or polymer) flexes is there a danger of the whole thing being ripped off (or at least the seals being broken) with seas over the bow......?

Jonathan

The vent is going on the coachroof by the mast.
I can use 6 fixing points if I modify it a bit by taking out the 3 machine screws that hold the stainless cowling to the nylon base plate (my previous boat had an earlier model with 6 fixings instead of 3 fixings and 3 machine screws) but there is still a little bit too much flex in the nylon base plate to consistently compress a uPVC foam gasket all round, with fixings about 100mm apart, so that is why I am reluctantly looking at non adhesive sealants instead of my favourite scapa tape.

 

[Dellquay13]

Any non setting mastic will do the job!

Like the gutter sealant i used to fix the roof of the missuses horse box?