There is a difference between the butyl tape you can get at RV stores and top line marine butyl tape. I bought some of the good stuff from Compass Marine (http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects). This is also a good website for how-to articles. The only thing I don't like about the stuff is it's tendency to "creep" out from under the sides of the fitting for days and even weeks as it slowly compresses. The seal is still good and I'm sure it will last for many years, but you will have to trim this excess off more than once to have a clean installation. Even then, the edge of the butyl tape that is exposed remains sticky and will collect dirt and small debris. Larry Yake M17 CornDog On Wed, Sep 18, 2013 at 7:41 AM, Thomas Buzzi <thomaspbuzzi@gmail.com>wrote:
Hi Todd, I am in the process of rebedding all my deck hardware and teak. Found a website that sells butyl tape. It is a marine bedding compound that stays fexible for decades so it will flex and not crack and allow water to infiltrate your deck via the fastener holes. When you do want to remove the fitting you slowly pry it up and cut the butyl with a knife. The website is really informative as to what makes a good marine bedding compound, worth a read. www.pbase.com/marine cruising/butyl_tape I just received two rolls of the product and it looks and feels like it will go a good job.
Fair winds, Tom B M-17, #258
On Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 9:09 PM, Todd Bradley <todd@btbuilders.net> wrote:
Hi All -
I will be re-bedding my teak handrails ect. I have been reading about various marine sealants. According to Don Casey's book, he suggests using a Polysulfide if you ever want to get the item off again. Which I may need to do someday.
I know many of you use the 3M 5200 product which is a polyurethane. And according to the Don Casey book is extremely difficult to remove if you ever need to. In researching the sealants, 3M makes a 4200 that is supposed to be easier to get off if the someday comes. Has anyone used it?
I hope you can let me know your experiences & recommendations.
Am I over-thinking this?
Thanks!
Todd
M-23 #86