Sikaflex seals

[Major Catastrophe]

I have spent most today, washing and polishing the old girl and noticed that some of the sealing stuff has degraded.

The boat is only two and half years old, so I am not sure if this is usual.

Should I just scrape out the old stuff and squeeze in some fesh Sikaflex?

Is there anything I should be aware of?

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

For a start that doesent look much like Sikaflex, ( second pic) and whatever it is it was badly applied in the biggining.
Sikaflex is one of the better sealants but is best applied to joints when they are been assembled, ie, not applied after like silicone.

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Chris,

I doubt that's Sikaflex. You need to remove the old, then prime it and apply the
sealant of your choice, looking at it I think I would be looking for a fast curing
Bostic Polyurethane Caulking compound.

Sticks like the proverbial, easy to work with, lasts for years and still flexible, and
less than Sikaflex off the shelf.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Thank cobber,

What do mean by 'prime it'?

Can't I just clean it out, and then apply the new stuff?

 

[oldsaltoz]

No it should be primed, the primer will clean the surface and leave a film that will improve the bonding. Talk to the seller, they should have all the info and at least 2 types of primer available, one for mild steel, and others.

Hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Major Catastrophe]

I see, so a wipe with acetone should be enough then?

 

[eyehavit]

Clean with acetone, NO. first thoroughly abrade then coat opposing surfaces with epoxy and fill.

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Did you mean, 'Don't clean with acetone.'?

How do I abrade a 2mm gap and coat opposing surfaces with epoxy?

I didn't realise that refilling seams between fibreglass components was so complicated.

 

[Topcat47]

I'm gagging to sse what Oldsaltoz has to say abuot that.....he's usually on the ball and my caulking is failing after one season.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Must be Friday the 13th.

 

[Major Catastrophe]

I am now looking for a "fast curing Bostic Polyurethane Caulking compound."

Thank you muchly.