Bedding compound

  • 11 Feb 2012 10:40
    Reply # 822511 on 821686
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

                                                                    Stavanger, Sat

    Gary

    I don’t think the sort of bedding compound is that critical in this case when clamping down immovable deck hardware. Most stuff that is meant for the bathrooms, windows or cars should work. I have used anything from butyl-rubber (cheap and good), PL-400, silicone and polyurethane (like Sikaflex), and even plain rubber gasket sheet (1mm thick), and they all work.

    It is more important to do it right:

    1)   Just clamp the hardware on loosely at first and leave it like that for about 24hours, then tighten the screws or bolts. That way one avoids squeezing out the compound. (that advice once gave me the idea of using pieces of rubber gasket sheet).

    2)   Make sure that the hardware is clamped on so tightly that there never will be any movement. If necessary stiffen the deck with a pad of plywood on the underside. Movement always leads to leaks.

    3)   I also seal the screwholes the best I can, and if I have the chance, I paint over the screw heads with 2-pot polyurethane paint. This has the ability to penetrate any gaps or cracks. On one boat (Albin Viggen) I had problems with leaks at the deck-to-hull joint. Painting over the hundreds of screws solved the problem entirely.

    Good luck!

    Arne

    Last modified: 11 Feb 2012 10:42 | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • 11 Feb 2012 08:46
    Reply # 822475 on 821686
    In NZ, there's a compound  called Simson's Marine Glue, which is pretty good, somewhat similar to Sikaflex, but easier to use. I don't know if it finds its way over to Australia.
  • 11 Feb 2012 01:58
    Reply # 822260 on 821686
    Deleted user
    Thanks Brian. There's a mountain of builder's trade adhesives and sealants available here. Which is why I'm asking. I've been using one of the water proof goops for the interior fit out - which looks pretty good so far. Have noticed another called "Roof and Gutter Silicone Sealant" - water proof and UV stable - maybe that's the stuff.
  • 10 Feb 2012 17:52
    Reply # 821932 on 821686
    Gary, take a look at CT1. This is designed for the building trade rather than the rip-off boat trade, used on the London Eye. I use it for everything on deck now. It's cheaper than Sikaflex etc and, claim its manufacturers, not as dodgy for the environment as everything else. It cleans off easily, sets whether rained on or not, and you can scrub it off your fingernails with soap. I recaulked Paradox's deck with it and bedded down fittings. So far it's lasted well and looks good. Here's the link. Best place I found to get it from was here. I haven't used it underwater yet, but I think I would - local marina engineers here in Brighton seem to use it for everything.

    Edit - Oops. just noticed you're in Oz. Oh well, check the building trade first.
    Last modified: 10 Feb 2012 17:54 | Anonymous member
  • 10 Feb 2012 13:01
    Message # 821686
    Deleted user
    I'm wondering if people here have a pet bedding compound, for attaching deck hardware. We're up to the stage in our build where the very first fitting is getting installed above decks, namely, brass runner for the companionway hatch.

    Or should I just go buy a tube of Sikaflex?
       " ...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in junk-rigged boats" 
                                                               - the Chinese Water Rat

                                                              Site contents © the Junk Rig Association and/or individual authors

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software