Re-bedding material

[halfmoon]

Have antenna mast down and must re-bed that as well as some other items as surveyor suggested. So, what to use for the re-bedding material? Suggestions from the more experienced maintenance folks will be appreciated. Something that will "cure" in 50 degree weather is preferable.

[jleonard]

I am a 5200 fan.

[halfmoon]

Isn't 5200 a PERMANENT sealant, making future changes to a fitting impossible?

[jleonard]

Isn't 5200 a PERMANENT sealant, making future changes to a fitting impossible?

I don't know why everyine believes that. I never have trouble getting 5200 off. Yes it takes a little work, but that's what makes it a great sealant.

[Chester B]

I avoid 5200 unless I really plan on never taking the item off again (like a thru hull fitting). I've had old 5200 take off chunks of fiberglass when trying to remove something. Depending on the task, I often use an old fashioned product called Dolphinite. Easy to use and clean up, you don't ruin an entire tube of sealant for a small job, and is paintable once it skims over. Check it out on the web.

[jleonard]

Next time try using a sharp, thin putty knife to cut thru the 5200 as much as you can.
It will come right apart

[jcollins]

I have used some stuff from DeBond corporation. http://www.marineformula.com/
Works very well. Short of that a putty knive does the trick. There is also a 4200 that is removeable. I have never tried that.

[mike66]

I've used 4200 with great results. Won't yellow in UV, so good for above waterline applications. Easier to remove than 5200, but maintains a tough,flexible seal as long as you need it.

[hetek]

I've used 4200 with great results. Won't yellow in UV, so good for above waterline applications. Easier to remove than 5200, but maintains a tough,flexible seal as long as you need it.

Might be good to point out that 4200 comes in several flavors - Fast Cure, UV, Original...

I've used the original and have seen it yellow over time. I stick with either the fast cure or UV now, depending on where I use it.

[Binford]

If something is not meant to be a permanent bond, I use 3M Fast Cure 4000 UV (for above the water line, anyway).

As a bedding compound, it seals just as well as 5200, but is easier to remove without risking damage to the structure or the item. And with a tensile strength of 400+ psi, I think you'll find it adequately strong. It can be applied in temperatures as cold as 40 degrees.

Here's more than you will ever want to know about this product: http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebse ... 094930.pdf

[tbnolin]

Just re-bedded a couple of port holes with 4200. The guy who helped me said that's all he uses.....first time for me...hope it works!