hey all, rebuilding hatches from the ground up. I have new plexiglass cut and the frames powder coated. i am concerned about using the proper sealant/adhesive.
what is my best option?
what is my best option?
rebuilding hatches
- Thread starter mjmercer19248
- Start date
I used Lifecaulk on mine. it's been about 8-9 years and no problems, I would also consider 3M 4200. Stay away from silicone based.
I second the DOW 795. It is recommended by a number of marine manufactures. It is used in the construction industry to hold windows in place. It has enormous elasticity to accommodate expansions/contraction due to temperature changes.
I have used it to bed Beckson port lights, and re-bed the plexi in my forward bomar hatch. For my Legend 35, I also re-bedded the 4 long skylights. But, in using the 795 instead of the butyl tape and screws that come with the boat, I eliminated the hold down screws completely, thus eliminating the leak potential.
I have used it to bed Beckson port lights, and re-bed the plexi in my forward bomar hatch. For my Legend 35, I also re-bedded the 4 long skylights. But, in using the 795 instead of the butyl tape and screws that come with the boat, I eliminated the hold down screws completely, thus eliminating the leak potential.
hatch rebuild
How did you set the new glass in? did you simply press it in or did you aggressively seat it in the 975 and weight it down until dry?
Find out what the manufacturer of the Plexiglas (acrylic) recommends for sealing, the makers of the stuff I've worked with (also polycarbonate "Lexan") have all recommended silicone.
Dow 795 is silicone (http://www.dowcorning.com/applications/search/default.aspx?r=264en) and our resident window expert Don in Maine highly recommends (holds BIG windows in skyscrapers).
4200 and 5200 are both polyurethane based which will degrade acrylic or polycarbonate.
Dow 795 is silicone (http://www.dowcorning.com/applications/search/default.aspx?r=264en) and our resident window expert Don in Maine highly recommends (holds BIG windows in skyscrapers).
4200 and 5200 are both polyurethane based which will degrade acrylic or polycarbonate.
I used the 795 but didn't put any on the underside of the plexiglass (to frame). I used masking tape on the underside and eased in the 795 around the side. Worked a treat