Hey folks, I'm reattaching my mast step. Which 3M product do you recommend, 4000/4200/5200? Thanks, Kevin.
Mast step adhesive
- Thread starter kclancy
- Start date
I replaced the OEM welded mast step with the Catalina Direct “Improved” no weld mast step. At the same time, I also added the mast step halyard plate underneath the mast step for a future project to lead reefing lines aft. Not knowing what year your boat is, I do encourage you to have her ready to lead lines aft, so you might consider the Halyard Plate as an integral part of your project. For my mast step plate replacement, I used Bed-It Butyl Tape. You should know that I’m pretty firmly in the camp of “no more silicone” on my boat. Having said that, there is nothing wrong in using 3M but, if you would ever need to remove the mast step in the future, unsticking and then removing silicone is a PIA. I would advise against the 5200 no matter what and rather, I would choose the 4000 or 4200 as their working tack time is longer.
On my 1988 C-22 it’s a bear (I mean a real PIA) to put a socket on the mast step retaining nuts nestled within the confines of the bottom of the stainless steel mast post transfer plate. Bed-It tape is a hidden gem. It will give you time to tighten the bolts and/or make adjustments. I‘ve also used it to re-bed all of my shroud eyebolts when I replaced my standing rigging, upgraded my coaming winches to self tailing winches, and to remount the leaking sliding hatch top rails, etc. If you want to use the 3M Silicone it will work but my choice would be the Bed-It Tape. I hope this helps.
George
To be clear, 5220, 4200, and 4000 are not silicone products they are polyurethane products. 3M 3000 is a silicone product.
Use Bed IT if possible followed by 4000 (has UV inhibititors, assuming this part is outside), 4200 or Loktite Marine but avoid 5200 at all costs