What caulking compound should I??????

[Pitman]

The Plexiglas insert in my forward hatch on my 1984 Hunter 31 has come loose. I guess this is good, as now I have found the source of my mystery leak. What kind of caulking compound should I use to reset the Plexiglas??? The compound will need to seat the panel and fill the 2/8 of in inch space all around the panel. The panel is seated into a cast aluminum frame.

 

[Bob shultz]

loose lens in the hatch

Contact Bomar. They will sell you a tube of GE silicone glue (black) especially made for this application. The tube is about $10.00 plus shipping.

 

[Doug T.]

Silicone

Yep, silicone. Others like 101 aren't compatible with plexiglass or plastics in general.

 

[jcherubini]

Bedding compound.

I would try a good bedding compound like Sikaflex. This is NOT a job for putty, glue, or bathtub caulk. 5200 is ideal for plastic-to-fibreglass (its intended application) but won't stay adhered to the aluminium hatch frame after the first winter. And silicone will never be permanent. You want something good here because this is a crucial area (ref. the 'mystery leak').When I say 'permanent' I mean something that will make a chemical bond between the plastic and metal. You will still be able to remove it some day with a knife or other tools. Silicone may seem 'easy' but it is not a permanent fix-- and I do not recommend it for any important marine application.JC 2