spindrift almost done!

[markja]

My Spindrift 10 is getting ready for the water.

I still have a hole in the bottom to fill with an Andersen self bailer, though.

I plan to set it using Life Caulk. Is it best to caulk right on top of the finish paint (System 3 LPU) or scrape down to the epoxy coat under the paint?

Also I have some round ABS plastic deck plates. I think those are best set in a silicone caulk, because the Life Caulk says it may not be so good for plastics.

Does have any other recommendations? I am hoping to do a trial launch this weekend. Will post a picture or two.

MARK

[Hirilonde]

You are correct in saying that polysulfide beddings (Lifecaulk is one) are not compatible with some plastics.  I like Sikaflex 291-LOT, which is a polyurethane, similar to 3M 4200 but less tenacious in bond. 

Right over the paint.  I would seal the new cut edge with at least epoxy as well.  Painting it is good too.  By having the hardware lap onto a completely seal edge there will be far less chance of water ever getting into the plywood.

I think those are best set in a silicone caulk......

Aaaak!

[markja]

That makes sense to me, protect the plywood as much as possible. I will use the Like Caulk on the bailer and see if i can find the Sikaflex for the plastic.

Here is a recent photo

[markja]

How long should I wait before exposing the Life Caulk to the water?

I have installed the bailer with this caulk and the only thing keeping me from launching is wondering whether it is cured. It seems to have hardened up a bit already. I am not concerned about painting it right now.

The instructions say exposure to water will actually speed up the cure time...launching the boat would certainly expose it.

MARK

[ulpilotrmh]

How long should I wait before exposing the Life Caulk to the water?

I have installed the bailer with this caulk and the only thing keeping me from launching is wondering whether it is cured. It seems to have hardened up a bit already. I am not concerned about painting it right now.

The instructions say exposure to water will actually speed up the cure time...launching the boat would certainly expose it.

MARK

I've never used Life caulk, but there should be something shown on the container that should tell you what the cure time is. When did you seal the bailer?

Russ

[ulpilotrmh]

By the way Markja, I like the looks of your boat, and think I'll finish my S-10 the same as yours.

Russ

[Hirilonde]

How long should I wait before exposing the Life Caulk to the water?

I have installed the bailer with this caulk and the only thing keeping me from launching is wondering whether it is cured.

MARK

Go sailing now!!  If mechanically fastened well (I would think a bailer fastens well) then the seal should hold fine.  I just hose tested a new deck scupper on a customers boat 5 minutes after I rebed  it. It takes many days before full cure, but it is waterproof immediately.  Clean off the excess well or you may smear it around your bilge.

[markja]

Russ,

i sealed it a day ago. the Life Caulk seems to get rubbery quickly but the "cure time" is anywhere from 1-7 days. It sure looks waterproof to me.

The boat colors are System three Mercer green outside and Bainbridge White inside. The inside color  is actually a very light gray, easy on the eyes and it hides a lot of stuff, that I decided wasn't worth sanding and scraping out in the corners and under the seats, etc.

I really liked the System Three paints. The primer was easy to apply and sanded well, too. The topcoats were a little trickier as mentioned here in the forum but, it makes a semi-gloss finish that is probably gonna get scratched eventually anyway. the water clean-up is great. I wouldn't pour it down the sink, though. that stuff, when activated will partially skin over and set up even under water. It is definitely not like a latex house paint.

I'm a going sailing...

MARK