The Plexiglas insert in my forward hatch on my 1984 Hunter 31 has come loose. I guess this is good, as now I have found the source of my mystery leak. What kind of caulking compound should I use to reset the Plexiglas??? The compound will need to seat the panel and fill the 2/8 of in inch space all around the panel. The panel is seated into a cast aluminum frame.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
5200?
Sounds like a job for a bad-a** adhesive. Really goop it up & it won't go anywhere! Just make sure there aren't any voids or air bubbles (leaks). LaDonna
Sounds like a job for a bad-a** adhesive. Really goop it up & it won't go anywhere! Just make sure there aren't any voids or air bubbles (leaks). LaDonna
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Bob Howie
Yikes! Not 5200!!
While I agree in principle with LaDonna that 5200 stops just about anything, it's NOT the best bedding compound for hatch plex or glass. For example, should the plex or glass ever BREAK, then you will have a helluva time replacing it. When I bought my 78h30, I replaced the plex in both my hatches with tempered, tinted 1/4" safety glass. Major manufacturers to it, so why wouldn't it work for me? Anyway, I used 3M's marine-grade silicone seal. That was 3 years ago and they are still not leaking and the silicone is in good shape having weathered 3, going on 4, Texas summers without any perceptible UV damage. And, with silicone seal, the stuff lets you know when it is time to re-goop it!! I also chose glass because glass is static and stable and doesn't "move" like plastic plus the added weight of the glass helps secure the hatches. So, whatever material you use in your hatches, and while 5200 is certainly the preferred adhesive/sealant in some applications, my preference is 3M's silicone for this job. Good luck.
While I agree in principle with LaDonna that 5200 stops just about anything, it's NOT the best bedding compound for hatch plex or glass. For example, should the plex or glass ever BREAK, then you will have a helluva time replacing it. When I bought my 78h30, I replaced the plex in both my hatches with tempered, tinted 1/4" safety glass. Major manufacturers to it, so why wouldn't it work for me? Anyway, I used 3M's marine-grade silicone seal. That was 3 years ago and they are still not leaking and the silicone is in good shape having weathered 3, going on 4, Texas summers without any perceptible UV damage. And, with silicone seal, the stuff lets you know when it is time to re-goop it!! I also chose glass because glass is static and stable and doesn't "move" like plastic plus the added weight of the glass helps secure the hatches. So, whatever material you use in your hatches, and while 5200 is certainly the preferred adhesive/sealant in some applications, my preference is 3M's silicone for this job. Good luck.
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John Visser
Manufacturer's recommendation?
I would contact the maker. One of them, either Lewmar or Bomar, had instructions for this on their web site.
I would contact the maker. One of them, either Lewmar or Bomar, had instructions for this on their web site.
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R.W.Landau
The compatability battle...
If it is lexan you can use polysulfides. If it is plexi, ( I found out this info looking to rebed my ports that are made of pvc) I am trying a press fit caulking.It is not a poly sulfide that will attack the plastic and make it brittle. Home Depot sells it in a roll about 1"+ wide. It comes in a box in their weatherstripping department. I was going to use OSI Quad Caulking ( a rubber that stays soft and flexable) and probably would have if the ports were like the metal framed Catalina ports. But,I am installing my ports with this ( using polysulfide everywhere else). I don't know if it will work. I know that when rebeding these pvc port lites, using regular caulking of an adhesive will make it very hard to remove at a later date. r.w.landau
If it is lexan you can use polysulfides. If it is plexi, ( I found out this info looking to rebed my ports that are made of pvc) I am trying a press fit caulking.It is not a poly sulfide that will attack the plastic and make it brittle. Home Depot sells it in a roll about 1"+ wide. It comes in a box in their weatherstripping department. I was going to use OSI Quad Caulking ( a rubber that stays soft and flexable) and probably would have if the ports were like the metal framed Catalina ports. But,I am installing my ports with this ( using polysulfide everywhere else). I don't know if it will work. I know that when rebeding these pvc port lites, using regular caulking of an adhesive will make it very hard to remove at a later date. r.w.landau
GE Caulking
I just replaced the lens in my forward hatch cover. GE makes a series of glazing caulks. If you check with a Plastics or Glass shop they should be able to turn you on to the right stuff. Leave the paper on the top side of the lens, clean the frame, tape the top side of the fram. Run a thin bead on the bottom frame and position your lens. Then fill the gap with caulk, I used a plastic putty knife which worked well to smooth it out. Let it dry a couple of days, don't mess with it. It is black in color and dries as hard rubber. I would give you the nomenclature but no longer have the tube to get it from.
I just replaced the lens in my forward hatch cover. GE makes a series of glazing caulks. If you check with a Plastics or Glass shop they should be able to turn you on to the right stuff. Leave the paper on the top side of the lens, clean the frame, tape the top side of the fram. Run a thin bead on the bottom frame and position your lens. Then fill the gap with caulk, I used a plastic putty knife which worked well to smooth it out. Let it dry a couple of days, don't mess with it. It is black in color and dries as hard rubber. I would give you the nomenclature but no longer have the tube to get it from.
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Doug Rodrigues
GE White Latex Sealer
I've tried RTV, DAP Sealer, and finally, the GE White Latex Sealer. The GE White Latex Sealer (same stuff used in bathrooms) is less dense than RTV, easier to control during application, easier to clean up, and easier to remove if required. Just my opinion.....
I've tried RTV, DAP Sealer, and finally, the GE White Latex Sealer. The GE White Latex Sealer (same stuff used in bathrooms) is less dense than RTV, easier to control during application, easier to clean up, and easier to remove if required. Just my opinion.....
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