Re-bedding Deck Hardware with Butyl-tape

[Dadrider]

I was hoping someone out there with experience working with Butyl-tape might be able to offer some advice. I am beginning to re-bed much of my deck hardware, and have read "Maine Sail's" instructions on the use of Butyl-tape and am ready to get started. I have a question regarding my Genoa track which seems to be one of the worst offenders in terms of leaks.

I have posted this question on Maine Sail's forum, and e-mailed him without a response, so I was hoping someone else can help.

In his procedure he has you wrap a string of tape around the head of the screw before inserting into the hardware, then building a cone of tape around the threads before inserting into the countersunk hole in the deck.

Here's my question: If I am correct in understanding the procedure, I would need to have all of the screws that hold down the track inserted through the track before they go into the deck. That means the whole piece would have to be put down as one, getting all of those screws into their respective holes at one time. How am I supposed to do that? Would it be sufficient to form the Butyl cone around the threads and insert the screws once the track is laid down?
Well I guess that's two questions, but who's counting? Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated!
John

 

[Maine Sail]

I was hoping someone out there with experience working with Butyl-tape might be able to offer some advice. I am beginning to re-bed much of my deck hardware, and have read "Maine Sail's" instructions on the use of Butyl-tape and am ready to get started. I have a question regarding my Genoa track which seems to be one of the worst offenders in terms of leaks.

I have posted this question on Maine Sail's forum, and e-mailed him without a response, so I was hoping someone else can help.

In his procedure he has you wrap a string of tape around the head of the screw before inserting into the hardware, then building a cone of tape around the threads before inserting into the countersunk hole in the deck.

Here's my question: If I am correct in understanding the procedure, I would need to have all of the screws that hold down the track inserted through the track before they go into the deck. That means the whole piece would have to be put down as one, getting all of those screws into their respective holes at one time. How am I supposed to do that? Would it be sufficient to form the Butyl cone around the threads and insert the screws once the track is laid down?
Well I guess that's two questions, but who's counting? Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated!
John

If you want to use butyl this is at least a two person job and requires top and bottom cones plus strips of butyl between bolts. There are no short cuts with genny tracks/butyl and it does get dropped in as one unit.

*Bevel / countersink the deck holes slightly.

*Wrap the bolt heads then press each one into the cleaned track.

*Next wrap each bolt under the track and knead the butyl cone into the bolt threads.

*Now place butyl on the underside of the track between butyl cones on each bolt

*Drop the track, with bolts, into place and so the bolts are in each hole (cleaned
& prepped of course). This may require a third person if the track has lost pre-bend..

*Place a 3' long board over the track and walk back and forth, then move it up
the track and repeat. This compresses the butyl and also keeps the bolts from
popping up.

*Get a partner to hold the screws with a screw driver and you go below and
slowly tighten the nuts. (multiple events)

*Don't over tighten and do allow the butyl to "oooze out" it may take four or
five small tightening events . Be patient...

BTW I did send you or someone this same info via email. Perhaps wound up in spam?

 

[Dadrider]

Thanks Maine Sail, I really appreciate it! Your reply must have wound up in spam, never got it. Thanks for the help!

 

[foolproof]

I used Butyl in a few places where the very recently applied 4200 had allowed a leak, and was quite surprised at how well it worked to seal these spots, and how easy it is to use! The excess cleans up so easy...just dab a small ball of the tape on the excess that oozes out, and it picks it right up. Never could get really clean work with 4200 unless I used a ton of masking tape and time first! Butyl tape is the answer to my prayers!

 

[Bob S]

I did this last season when I added Garhauer adjustable tracks. My Catalina's track is recessed. I had the track re-anodized. I did not add the strips of butyl between the screws but did wrap it around the top and bottom of the screws. I was able to put the track back in place carefully myself. It did loose it's bend. Definatly a 2 person job tightening. The hardest part was cleaning the excess butyl from under the track. Had to do a good job in order for the adjustable track to slide easily. Has not leaked in the first season. I believe it should be dry for a long time.

 

[Dadrider]

Thanks Guys, I'm doing the stanchions right now, Genoa tracks next. I'll let you know how it goes.