Can gasket tape ahere to hdpe?

[Gene Neill]

Does any gasket material stick to HDPE?

I keep hearing about using HDPE for laz hatches, but I'm not sure how one would make a gasket.

 

[dlochner]

Put the tape on the fiberglass not the HDPE lid.

 

[jssailem]

HDPE is not friendly with adhesives. Some heat approaches change the molecular structure (scorching) of HDPE, but I have not seen any long-term results.

You could attach the gasket tape to the fiberglass rim of your LAZ and pull the HDPE lid down against it.

 

[Gene Neill]

You could attach the gasket tape to the fiberglass rim of your LAZ and pull the HDPE lid down against it.

Yeah ... it just seems like the gasket would get torn up real quick right there on the rim. I guess HDPE is off my list.

I gotta build a whole new set of laz hatches, and I'm trying to avoid plywood. I'm looking for the quickest/easiest thing. I like the sound of expanded PVC board but I don't know if it would be strong enough.

 

[jssailem]

How about using the best of the current hatches as a mold and building them out of fiberglass?

 

[Gene Neill]

How about using the best of the current hatches as a mold and building them out of fiberglass?

I'm planning to sell the boat soon, so I'm looking for the quick and easy.

If I decide to keep the boat, I'll probably use Coosa.

 

[RitSim]

We have used 3M 59 spray glue to stick UHWM to gasket foam. Our application did not see a lot of action, but the glue did stick. I have used the same on UHMW tape for my companionway hatch slides with success.

 

[thinwater]

I'm planning to sell the boat soon, so I'm looking for the quick and easy.

If I decide to keep the boat, I'll probably use Coosa.

Don't be "that guy."

The real problem with HDPE for hatch is that it will sag over time if it is sat on. Even if it isn't sat on.

If you do want to get things to stick to HDPE ...

• Sand coarse.
• Flame treat the surface. Google for instructions. Basically, pass a propane torch over it just enough to slightly change the surface appearance after sanding. This slightly changes the surface chemistry.
• Consider using an activator, such as 3M primer 94. Some times it helps. Mostly, I don't think it matters.
• Immediately apply the tape.

This is pretty effective with polyurethane sealants and G-Flex.

 

[capta]

Have you considered a used marine handler? I've noticed a lot of hatches in those shops, usually cheap.

 

[Gene Neill]

Don't be "that guy."

The real problem with HDPE for hatch is that it will sag over time if it is sat on. Even if it isn't sat on.

That settles that, then. Thanks.

 

[thinwater]

I always wonder if I have ever been that dreaded "previous owner."

Projects on my PDQ were often used for many magazine articles, so I tried to make my methods criticism-proof. Often I consulted with the factory, foer example, when installing AC. It was a pretty thing, looked factory, and could run off the inverter. I still talk to the buy once in a while, so I'm pretty sure I did good job. I don't think I did "PO" stuff on my Prindle, Stiletto 27, or F-24, but I've been less obsessive. When the resale value is $2,000-$10,000 vs. $150,000 plus it makes a difference in how you look at things. And yet still, I always strive for stronger or more functional, perhaps not so much prettier.

I will use HDPE for bearings and low stress spacers, but not for structural components where creep (sagging) is possible. It's the engineer in me. I just can't do it. I've seen too much HDPE sag or crack in the sun.

 

[jssailem]

I've seen too much HDPE sag or crack in the sun.

Is this a universal problem with HDPE or are there products/ways to address this issue? I have seen the material used for pulpit seats and hinged doors on boat companionways.

There are colored HDPE products (other than white) produced. Do some colors work better than others with regard to sag or cracking?