Bed-it Tape Vs Silicone for Teak Seat Replacement

[Skipper J]

Hi,

I would appreciate comments regarding the suitability of using Bed-it Tape instead of silicone as I replace teak seats and trim. Thank you.

Skipper J

 

[dlochner]

Stay with Bed-It. Silicone is a poor choice of sealant as it has low adhesion properties and may cause issues later with stuff sticking to where the silicone was used.

Dow 795 and Silpruf are silicon based and can be used, because the chemistry behind them is much different from the typical marine and hardware store silicones.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Typical Silicone really shouldn't be used on a boat. I have spent way too much time on my current boat, removing failed silicone that was resulting in leaks (in one case leading to hatch coring repair)
Fully removing the old silicone made it even more "fun"

I would love to go back in time and stop whichever previous owner it was, from going to home depot.

 

[jssailem]

I like Bed-it Butyl tape as a tool. But like all tools, you need to use them under the proper structure. The Bed-it tape needs to have fasteners to hold the fixture in place. It then works to seal the surfaces, stopping water intrusion.

I have yet to find a spot where "silicon" based caulking is optimum on my boat.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I'm a big fan of bedit but with the screw turning 4200 or 4000 might be a better choice

 

[capta]

Personally, I much prefer bedding things with "bedding compound" which was developed specifically to bed things on boats. It is easy to work and cleanup is a breeze.

 

[jssailem]

@capta are you suggesting

 

[higgs]

I have had great results with Mainsail's butyl caulk. Worked wonders on chain plates for many years.