Bedding Mast Step Plate With Butyl?

[GorillaToast]

I've been using the grey butyl tape to re-bed all my deck hardware, and now I'm ready to do the mast step plate. Is it safe to use the butyl tape on this fitting, as it is in constant compression and being pulled from all sides as the mast moves?

Thanks.
Bill

 

[MJWarner]

Bill, If you are talking about the deck plate at the base of the mast (not the mast step at the keel) I used the butyl tape to seal mine in March. Haven't had any issues or leaks, seems to be working great, as advertised!

 

[GorillaToast]

Thanks MJWarner.

If you are having no issues with a boat that size, my little 22 footer should be fine.

 

[Maine Sail]

Thanks MJWarner.

If you are having no issues with a boat that size, my little 22 footer should be fine.

You'll be more than fine if using Bed-It Tape. EVERYTHING on our 36 footer, including the hull to deck joint, was done with butyl tape 32 years ago. Pulpits, stanchions, genny tracks, winches, hand rails, cleats, hatches, ports, bow stem, chain plates etc. etc. all done with butyl tape.. The vast majority of it remains 100% un-rebedded/un-touched in 32 years and is bone dry..

 

[GorillaToast]

Thanks Maine Sail.

No I just have to wait till I get some heat in the garage so the butyl will ooze out (Don't have a heat gun).

 

[Joel H.]

I just re-bedded my mast step and everything with butyl tape, (first "off season" with new to me 1978 C27), worked great!

I consider butyl better all around, but particularly, in high stress areas, (I.E. where there might be a chance of movement or flex), it's self healing!

Anyway as far as cold temperatures goes, I just tighten the fasteners a little at a time, wait/do something else, tighten some more, wait/do something else, (all the while trimming the excess so I could see how far it has to go). I do this until the item is seated all the way. It is a little tedious but I can see the butyl squeezing out of every possable leak spot and I know "I'll never have to do it again"!

In short, I love the stuff. And it doesn't hurt that I get it from work free.
Happy sailing,
Joel H.

 

[stubugg]

Quit talking generic and give me a product name for butyl tape so I can buy some.

 

[Steve Dion]

I really do not know if there is a "BRAND" name for butyl tape, but here is the place to purchase "Good Quality" BUTYL TAPE. He calls it "Bed-it Marine Sealant Tape"
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/butyl_tape

 

[Joel H.]

Quit talking generic and give me a product name for butyl tape so I can buy some.

Go to a local HVAC contractor. Ask them if they have any butyl "TDC" (transverse duct connection) tape. Then hope they buy the light/white-ish version. They use it by the case, so they should be pretty loose with it.
Good luck,
Joel H.