The manufacture says you do not need a seal for behind the chartplotter when installing on a navpod. I like the idea of having a silicone seal. My question is can I use Kitchen and bath silicone or do I need to get Marine silicone? Is there a brand that I could pick up at "Lowes" instead of going to West Marine or Bass Pro Shops? Thanks
Installing Chartplotter what silicone for seal
- Thread starter Doghouse
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With Zeal, no seal
I installed my chartplotter into a Navpod last June. I probably read similar instruction to the ones you read. I did not use any sealant. When not in use, the chartplotter mounted on the pedestal guard had a canvas cover. At the end of the season, I removed the chartplotter and brought it home for use in planning next year's cruise. There was no evidence of _any_ weathering inside the Navpod. From this experience. I have concluded that no seal is the way to go. Save your sealant for bedding and thru-hulls!
I installed my chartplotter into a Navpod last June. I probably read similar instruction to the ones you read. I did not use any sealant. When not in use, the chartplotter mounted on the pedestal guard had a canvas cover. At the end of the season, I removed the chartplotter and brought it home for use in planning next year's cruise. There was no evidence of _any_ weathering inside the Navpod. From this experience. I have concluded that no seal is the way to go. Save your sealant for bedding and thru-hulls!
sealant
I have used all kinds of sealants over the years. I have found that the west marine brand of silicon actually made by siliflex does not shrink, plyable and tenacous to holding. This is what I would suggest. As for sealing behind the GPS on a NavPod, that is a preference. If you cover the helm with a wheel cover, no you do not need it but if not, then maybe you should consider.
I have used all kinds of sealants over the years. I have found that the west marine brand of silicon actually made by siliflex does not shrink, plyable and tenacous to holding. This is what I would suggest. As for sealing behind the GPS on a NavPod, that is a preference. If you cover the helm with a wheel cover, no you do not need it but if not, then maybe you should consider.
Do not use any
I would never slather silicone or any other product on my expensive electronics. My NavPod came with a neoprene gasket and was pre-cut for my Raymarine C-80 or maybe it was the Raymarine that came with the gasket. Either way you could go to HD or Lowes and get the 1/8 inch black foam weather strip and mount it to the NavPod then install your equipment. The thin stuff compresses very nicely and does a nice job keeping out the weather...
I would never slather silicone or any other product on my expensive electronics. My NavPod came with a neoprene gasket and was pre-cut for my Raymarine C-80 or maybe it was the Raymarine that came with the gasket. Either way you could go to HD or Lowes and get the 1/8 inch black foam weather strip and mount it to the NavPod then install your equipment. The thin stuff compresses very nicely and does a nice job keeping out the weather...
Silicone and Practical Sailor
Practical Sailor did one of their tests on silicone and found that silicone is silicone, though some company's claim to add UV prevention to their marine line. They also said that there are only a couple of companies that actually make it. I get mine much cheaper at Menards and have done so for many years. If there is a difference, I have not noticed.
Practical Sailor did one of their tests on silicone and found that silicone is silicone, though some company's claim to add UV prevention to their marine line. They also said that there are only a couple of companies that actually make it. I get mine much cheaper at Menards and have done so for many years. If there is a difference, I have not noticed.
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