Bedding compound

[SuperNova]

Hi all! Quick question for you . Ineed to rebed my forward deck hardware including the bow rails. I know there is bedding compound available, but I have a tub of plumbers putty in the garage- is it the same stuff? Or is there better stuff to use than bedding compound? Thanks in advance for your help. -Stan

 

[Robj]

Re: Bedding compound

I think you are referring to a bedding compound or sealant. I like to use 3M 5200, some people use 4200. This stuff sticks and is good above and below the waterline. I would stay away from plumbers putty.

 

[Coors]

Re: Bedding compound

5200 is almost impossible to remove, use 4200.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Bedding compound

I heard 5200 fast dry is the best, but don't ever expect to take it apart again, 'cause it'll pull the gelcoat with it. What is wrong with the plumber's putty?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Bedding compound

For one, plumber's putty is made to get wet and stay wet. If it dries out it cracks.

Secondly, I doubt it'll stand up to UV.

 

[flashback]

Re: Bedding compound

I always use life caulk. I think it is a polysulfide, it stays flexable forever and does not bond the parts together.. I kinda agree with wombat on the plumbers putty it dries out and falls apart...

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Bedding compound

Thank you flashback. Nobody tells you why you can't use something so I appreciate your input. I've heard of life caulk and using it below the waterline but I hadn't heard of anyone using it for bedding fittings. It is another option.

 

[OhioLowell]

Re: Bedding compound

I can vouch for the fact that plumbers putty will dry out if not kept wet. I buy houses from banks and most of which sit for 12 months or better before I get them. You ALWAYS have to re caulk the kitchen sink once you turn the water back on.

If I were you I'd use the polysulfide caulk. At least that way you wont have to destroy your boat for the sake of a new rub rail. You're right about the 5200 I've heard horror stories about the stuff too. 5200 is great for things you NEVER want to have to worry about or see again.

Best,
Lowell

 

[drewpster]

Re: Bedding compound

I have to say something.

I just finished prepping the upper canopy, windshield, and supports on my boat for paint. A former owner had done some work to the boat well prior to me owning it.

Every gap, crack, seam and under every piece of trim was packed with plumber's putty. The guy had to have used several tubs of the stuff. There was putty squeezed out under every piece of trim. It was covered in mold and a awful sticky mess. I literally spent hours removing it.

Please spend the extra money, get proper bedding compound.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Bedding compound

Thanks for all your input. I pulled the staboard handrail last night and discovered the root cause of the leak. The previous installer used clear silicone to bed the rail. Unsuccessfully, obviously. I have heard time and again about the plumbers putty drying out, so I will not use it. Now the nitty gritty, what is the best stuff to use? Thanks again to all for your responses and information. I really appreciate you taking your time to address this with me.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Bedding compound

3M 5200 if you don't need to remove it ever.
3M 4200 if maybe you might need to.

There's other options too, but you can't go wrong with either of those.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Bedding compound

Both will seal equally well?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Bedding compound

4200 is the non-hardening version of 5200 (maybe not entirely technically correct, but close enough). They both seal up just fine.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Bedding compound

I strongly suggest you dont use 5200 for bedding hardware.

4200..or.. What I like to use is 3m 101 good stuff m8.

I personaly stay away from Life Caulk.

oh yea..BTW..your cleanup should be with Mineral Spirits and paper towels. cleans lickity split. ( be careful not to pile your used rags as they can sponaniusly combust ).

YD.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Bedding compound

Thanks again to all who replied. I went with 4200 fast-dry and it was very nice to work with. We're getting a good rain today, so I am leaving the cabin apart and rechecking for leaks before I put it all back together.

 

[vincewpb]

Re: Bedding compound

Would the 3M 4200 also Be a good bedding compond to lay in my stringers on my 16"? I just cut new stringers and ribs and coated them in epoxy resin to keep it dry. I was told to use a bedding compond between the wood and the hull to avoid hard spot stress fractures. Then I planed to cover the wood in a stitched bi-ax with epoxy resin to tie it all into the boat.