Flex Seal

Don S/V ILLusion · May 22, 2019

Depends on what you use it for and where

dlochner · May 22, 2019

I doubt that Flex Seal or Flex Glue is comparable to 5200.

5200 is a polyurethane adhesive produced by a major chemical company.

Flex seal is rubber (https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/2f/2f21ec09-1560-45c0-b5e0-0bf656868d5c.pdf) sold by a marketing company. (https://www.flexsealspraycan.com/swift-response/).

I wasn't able to find a SDS for Flex Glue. Reputable companies make their SDS easy to access.

DArcy · May 22, 2019

Flex seal is petroleum based, 5200 is polyurethane based. Totally different products. Probably won't last nearly as long as 5200 and, judging by the amount of toluene, will probably shrink a lot more than 5200.

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · May 22, 2019

As I've said, over and over- 5200 is NOT a caulk- It's an adhesive. It plainly says so on the product. Designed to stay put. Personally, I'd look at Butyl rubber sealers.

I''d also find other sources than WEST Marine. SBO -our hosts, come to mind. As do Duckworks, and Defender Industries

Stu Jackson · May 22, 2019

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani said:
As I've said, over and over- 5200 is NOT a caulk- It's an adhesive.

Thanks, Charlie. Those 5200 addicts don't get it yet.

Like Maine Sail says, 5200 is

SATAN'S GLUE

thinwater · May 22, 2019

Plymouth Sailor said:
Recently I've been searching for less expensive products that mimic or replace expensive marine products found at West Marine for a kings ransom (daughter in college, tuition!).

I've been using JB Weld in place of Marinetex, states can be used for marine use and, I've possibly found another alternative in Flex Seal. I bought a tube of it, it acts, feels, smells and seemingly does the same thing as 5200 however at least at face value, better. It goes on better, doesn't run as much and dries much quicker. Any chemists or wise sailors out there that can concur?

Take a look at Locktite PL S40. It is a polyurethane, much like 3M 4200, and has been tested in marine applications. I've been using it for many things, for over a decade. In fact, it is better than 3M products in terms of plastics and metal adhesion, though somewhat less UV resistant. But it definitely is a budget choice.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/05/100-best-buys-chapter-2.html
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZP1CT...lm-20&linkId=7a0d9d32d6318b8fa2e26404c2a377f9

Gene Neill · May 23, 2019

Don't listen to that smarmy little toad on the screen-door dinghy. Use appropriate products. Not ones advertised on TV with shouted words like "amazing", "miracle" or "incredible".

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · May 23, 2019

I keep trying to figure out how that jon boat cut down the middle from bow to stern and held together with nothing but flex tape manages not to fold in half and sink with nothing to keep it UNfolded.

--Peggie

StargazerP303 · May 23, 2019

I was getting rid if my dingy 2 years ago and decided to test Flex Seal the black spray cans. After preparing the bottom to receive it, I used 5 cans to really cover the bottom well. My inflatable was leaking in water through the soft bottom. The product worked like a charm. However, only lasted 1 year or 3 months. I take the inflatable dingy out of the water after use or every trip sailing. So really it saw only 30 complete days in the water. More out than in!..lol
I give it a 2 out of 5 stars. It dies up and cracks. IMO Not worth the use. Capt. Rob

JamesG161 · May 24, 2019

Flex Seal dies on UV exposure.
I have an emergency roll of Flex Tape for stopping a PYI bellows leak.
Jim...