We did some work with this but didn't realize that you have to use it all within 48 hours or it hardens. And it is really expensive. I looked at a smaller tube but it too hardens within 48 hours of opening. Is there anything that works well but can be used over and over, and weeks apart for small jobs? What do you do if you only have to seal a few holes for a new compass? I hate the idea of wasting the rest of the tube.
3M 4200
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4200
Jerel- I use 4200 and keep it in a zip lock bag. I clean the opening and screw the cap on tight. I opened one in December and used it last Sunday with no problems. I only buy the big tubes for when I know I will use the whole thing in one application. Rob Hessenius
Jerel- I use 4200 and keep it in a zip lock bag. I clean the opening and screw the cap on tight. I opened one in December and used it last Sunday with no problems. I only buy the big tubes for when I know I will use the whole thing in one application. Rob Hessenius
Same tube for past 6 months.
If you keep the tube rolled up (like toothpaste) so you don't leave an air pocket, and make sure the cap is on it, it will keep for quite a lengthy time. Remember though, this product is made in France, and each tube should be date stamped. Be very careful when you make your initial purchase to get fresh stock.
If you keep the tube rolled up (like toothpaste) so you don't leave an air pocket, and make sure the cap is on it, it will keep for quite a lengthy time. Remember though, this product is made in France, and each tube should be date stamped. Be very careful when you make your initial purchase to get fresh stock.
Forget 4200 and 5200
I hate silicone, 4200, 5200 and pretty much all those sealers. I use a product called Life Caulk from Boat Life, check out a link. I use it everywhere, bedding through hulls, sealing ball vales to though hulls, sealing a joint, where the arch mets the deck. It has a really good shelf life, and comes in small and large tubes. It cleans up nicely with Acetone, it is worth its weight in gold.
I hate silicone, 4200, 5200 and pretty much all those sealers. I use a product called Life Caulk from Boat Life, check out a link. I use it everywhere, bedding through hulls, sealing ball vales to though hulls, sealing a joint, where the arch mets the deck. It has a really good shelf life, and comes in small and large tubes. It cleans up nicely with Acetone, it is worth its weight in gold.
People who hate 5200
usually do not understand 5200. If you think it is hard to clean up the excess just wait until it dries. It takes 7 days to cure so don't even think about removing the clamps early. You do not want to try to disassemble parts that have been bonded with 5200 because it is pretty near impossible. That's what makes it so good. If you follow the instructions you get great results.
usually do not understand 5200. If you think it is hard to clean up the excess just wait until it dries. It takes 7 days to cure so don't even think about removing the clamps early. You do not want to try to disassemble parts that have been bonded with 5200 because it is pretty near impossible. That's what makes it so good. If you follow the instructions you get great results.
It's not whether you like or hate 5200
It's know ingwhere it should be used and where it shouldn't be used. Most people wo hate it are those who've discovered it was used where it shouldn't have been.
It's know ingwhere it should be used and where it shouldn't be used. Most people wo hate it are those who've discovered it was used where it shouldn't have been.
Jerel, It is called planning your work.
P&L caulk from Ohio Sealants is a urethane that cures in two or three days for about five bucks a tube. Mike, 19 DOLLARS a tube? for caulk? Buy the five dollar stuff and throw out the remainer when it goes bad. Much of the time for above the water line work the top grade Acrylic/ urethane caulks being marketed to the painting industry is entirely adequate. I have had the benefit of trying to remove five year old caulk that I installed and I can tell you without hesitation that the best of the caulks of the acrylic/urethane type are tough and very durable at about 3.50 dollars a tube. You just have to keep the rain off them for two days.
P&L caulk from Ohio Sealants is a urethane that cures in two or three days for about five bucks a tube. Mike, 19 DOLLARS a tube? for caulk? Buy the five dollar stuff and throw out the remainer when it goes bad. Much of the time for above the water line work the top grade Acrylic/ urethane caulks being marketed to the painting industry is entirely adequate. I have had the benefit of trying to remove five year old caulk that I installed and I can tell you without hesitation that the best of the caulks of the acrylic/urethane type are tough and very durable at about 3.50 dollars a tube. You just have to keep the rain off them for two days.
And Mike, 5200 (and 4200) are not silicone.
They are polyurethane. Like everyone else said, the difference is huge.
They are polyurethane. Like everyone else said, the difference is huge.
I think Ross is right
I, too, have had good luck using ordinary old acrylic/urethane caulk for most above the water line jobs on my boat, mostly like sealing around hatches and ports, etc. The stuff is easy to use and inexpensive. Also works well and seems to last indefinitely. I only the use the expensive stuff (3M series) when really needed below the water line. I've also had good luck sealing up the big tubes by putting a 20-penny nail in the hole and then duct taping it shut and in place. A tube sealed up like that will last a longish time.
I, too, have had good luck using ordinary old acrylic/urethane caulk for most above the water line jobs on my boat, mostly like sealing around hatches and ports, etc. The stuff is easy to use and inexpensive. Also works well and seems to last indefinitely. I only the use the expensive stuff (3M series) when really needed below the water line. I've also had good luck sealing up the big tubes by putting a 20-penny nail in the hole and then duct taping it shut and in place. A tube sealed up like that will last a longish time.
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