Replacing portlights Sealant?

[mytime]

I am replacing 4 portlights on our Catalina 30 . I have read a lot of good things about butyl tape as a sealant.
Would those who replaced portlights recommend using:
Butyl tape
4200
5200
Clear Silicone
I was originally going to use 4200 but the more I read up about butyl tape it sounds like it should do the job quite nicely. The new portlights are Beckson raindrain. (plastic).

 

[centerline]

my vote is for silicone....

I tried to use the butyl tape with my plastic beckson rain drain portlights, and it just didnt work out... two portlights, two failures... when i removed them, cleaned them all good and used the silicone, they sealed the first time...

 

[Charles Erwin]

Butyl is the first choice and in every case silicone dead last (ties with 5200) and even then only if there is no other choice.

In any case - Beckson will tell you if butyl will work with their plastic recipe and so will Maine Sail. There are several other product options to silicone (Sikka products for example) if butyl will not work.

If butyl is on the menu according to Beckson obtain the tape from Maine Sail. The quality is excellent and the next best (also high quality) 3M version only comes in black.


Charles

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Butyl is the first choice

One thing I never see here when butyl is mentioned is that it's is an absolute bear to work with in cold weather. Combine cold weather and weaker plastic flanges as found on a Beckson port and it just ain't gonna work ................. until you bring out the hair dryer .

I had to re-install a Vetus vent recently which had a plastic base and a flexible SS vent on top. Outside temperature was cold (as usual for here). Rolled and layered the butyl onto the plastic base with little to no care or accuracy. This was easily done in a warm place. When the vent was loosely installed with the machine screws, it was obvious that not a lot of torque could be applied to the screws without permanently deforming the SS vent. The butyl was good and solid by now . Brought out the hair dryer, warmed the entire assembly and slowly tightened the screws. Cut and pulled the excess a week later and a perfect job.

I guess only people in Florida use butyl.

 

[Guts1236]

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/967_379/aluminum-window-reseal-kit-c-30-c-36-.cfm

 

[centerline]

search the internet to get any opinion you want that suits your mood.... opinions vary as to who likes to use what....

i have not read where beckson recommends the use of butyl for installing their portlights or any of their other products... but they do say to use silicone....

silicone can be used in any temperature, but the butyl needs a warm enviroment to bed correctly...

im not arguing against the use of butyl, but I will always stand up for the silicone product, because when used properly, it is very easy to create long life watertight seal with it... used improperly, it will be as bad as any other product you use improperly....

but, never use automotive or tub and tile silicone anywhere on the hull of the boat. this is the formulation that has given it a bad name...

 

[svPelican]

never use automotive or tub and tile silicone anywhere on the hull of the boat. this is the formulation that has given it a bad name...

I can vouch for the evils of tub and tile silicone. Horrid stuff on a boat -- I spent hours getting it off my portholes this past weekend. I re bedded them using 3M 4000 UV. It held up to a nice soaking rain earlier this week, and it looks great. I have butyl tape, but I didn't use it for this job. I've never tried marine grade silicone.