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Sealant required?
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Author:  millhaven_nice_guy [ Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:37 am ]
Post subject:  Sealant required?
As some of you may be aware, I installed a set of docking lights on my 260 Horizon over the winter.
Image

I now want to seal the housing to the hull. I also plan on installing some thru the hull tips this spring. Both applications are above the water line but will more than likely get splashed.
I went to West Marine today and got totally confused. What should I use and why? 3M has a line of products, plus I saw something called "life caulk" and then some different brands of marine silicone.

chances are I will never remove the items after they are glued into place so I thought about buying the 5200 but.... Let's get some opinions first.
Author:  Jim_R [ Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sealant required?
I'd go with 3M 4200. That way if you ever had to remove the components, it would be possible (in theory).
Author:  230 Mike [ Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sealant required?
I agree with the 4200, but I assume you're talking about sealing it underneath the stainless bezel - not around the outside of it (yuck).

Life Seal is a product from BoatLife that is approved by FW for under-the-waterline use. I'd still use 4200 or 5200 instead, but when my dealer had to R&R my drain plug fitting they used Life Seal.
Author:  millhaven_nice_guy [ Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sealant required?
Thanks Guys! I guess I will go with the 4200 stuff (it's $23 a tube with the taxes up here) How long does it last once opened? Unfortunately my exhaust tips got turned away from the border because they had a wrong postal code on them so they may not get installed for another month or so but I want to button up the lights soon.

Mike - I am just going to caulk the plastic housing that gets screwed to the hull! I wouldn't want to mess up that nice shiny stainless.

Image

Here you can see the plastic light housing that I want to seal to the hull. The stainless sits on top of this with a gasket so you can access the bulb. This is why I figure I will never have to take them off later.
Author:  230 Mike [ Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sealant required?
Good plan. I'd remove the housings and caulk where they contact the hull so that the seal isn't just on the surface.
Author:  LouC [ Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sealant required?
Can you change the bulb easily without removing the housing from the hull? If so you can use 4200 but if not I'd use the life seal stuff. 4200 and 5200 are both sealants but they are also adhesives, 5200 being permenant (almost) and 4200 is removable (usually). I used 4200 on a couple of jobs and it's got a pretty strong bond, I might not use it for something that has to be removed occasionally. You probably don't need an adhesive in that application.
Author:  Jim_R [ Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sealant required?
millhaven_nice_guy wrote:
Thanks Guys! I guess I will go with the 4200 stuff (it's $23 a tube with the taxes up here)


Sounds like a West Marine price. Check at Home Depot.
Author:  230 Mike [ Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sealant required?
Even our WalMart carries it. I've found WalMart's "marine department" varies by location, but if they carry it in Kansas they should carry it anywhere. Also, they sell it in smaller vinyl tubes, so you don't have to buy a gun tube and then throw 3/4 of it away.
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