Gordon, Good question. I have a lot deck hardware off right now as well. It seems as though the Butyl tape never quite "sets" so it is always soft. That moves any stress is through the tape to the deck, it shifts the stress to the bolt holes and causing stress fractures around the hole. So based on this I will stay with 3M 4200. I am certainly no expert so I am curious to hear any other response. It does seem to be a very good use for things like windows or mast steps and is easier to work with than 3M 4200. Thanks Doug Kelch --- On Thu, 1/8/09, Gordon Gilbert <gordon@financialwriting.net> wrote: From: Gordon Gilbert <gordon@financialwriting.net> Subject: M_Boats: Butyl tape as bedding compound To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 1:22 PM I'm removing most of the deck hardware on my M-17, epoxy-lining the attachment holes and rebedding everything this winter. The fiberglass guy at the place I store my boat suggested that I use butyl tape as a bedding compound instead of polysulfide caulk. He said it's easier to work with and that he hasn't experienced a leak with it yet. Considering how messy polysulfide caulk can be, I'm tempted to try butyl tape -- but most importantly I want a good, long-lasting seal. Does anyone out there have experience with the stuff? Gordon M-17 #377 "Sapphire" Milwaukee _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!