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Hatch surround sealing

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:14 pm
by Jaycb
I'm hoping to replace my hatches & surrounds this weekend. I have the new rivets but I'm assuming I'll need some form of sealant compound as well to ensure the surrounds are watertight against the hulls...
Ideally I guess one should use a marine sealant such as Sikaflex, but rather than go out of my way to find a chandler, I wonder if the exterior silicone sealant found in DIY stores would be suitable as an alternative?

Does anyone have any experience of this please?

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:15 pm
by WaveyDavey
This is not a job I've specifically done, but for many other jobs on various dinghies I have always used a good quality silicone sealant from a DIY store in preference to overpriced "marine" sealants. In my experience they have always made a good and durable seal.

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:52 pm
by Charles
Jas

You're right to think Sikaflex is the bees knees of sealants, I describe it as bath sealant from Hell, especially when trying to get it off your hands!

As usual try asking Brian or Steve Sawford what they normally use.