3M 101 or 4200 or ?

Gary M · Post by **Gary M** » Apr 25th, '06, 06:16

I've just finished rewiring my CD22 mast and plan to step the mast this Friday.

My new wires are routed as the originals, up thru the hinged step and on into the mast with all connections made inside the cabin, so I will be breaking this seal and pulling the wires up each time I lower the mast.

What would be the best sealant to use to seal the wires as they come thru the deck? I want a great seal, but I also want to be able to remove the sealant, clean up the wires, and reseal the next time I lower the mast.

Thanks
Gary

mahalocd36 · Post by **mahalocd36** » Apr 25th, '06, 08:55

Hi,
Don't use 4200 - it's really 5200-lite. You really want something you can remove.
Read more here:
http://www.sailnet.com/collections/arti ... caseyd0051

jdhunter · Post by **jdhunter** » Apr 25th, '06, 10:31

I have rebedded hundreds of pieces of hardware in my work. I've cursed previous installers who've used 5200. 101 is deck sealant and seams to stay tacky below the surface and makes a huge mess when you remove it. Silicone leaks in about 6 months.

Boatlife makes a sealant called Lifeseal. Lifeseal is alot like 4200, but easier to seperate later. It's my understanding that it is a blend of polyester and silicone with favorable properties of each. Good luck on your project.

Jay

Oswego John · Post by **Oswego John** » Apr 25th, '06, 13:06

Gary,

For years, I have had good luck using Dux-Seal. A half pound brick of this putty like sealant will last you for many years. It can be found in various sizes in electrical supply or home supply stores. It is the same product of choice that is used to seal electrical, cable TV and telephone services entering your home. After many years of service, it will still be found to be pliable.

FWIW,
O J

Gary M · Post by **Gary M** » Apr 26th, '06, 09:15

Thanks for the info, the site was very informative, now I want to find out what the jacket of my wire is made of (Vinyl?)but Life Seal is probably the way to go.

I did look for Dux Seal and bought a brick of Ducks Seal at a local electrical supply store. Since it wasn't exactly the name O J mentioned I ran a test in the garage by sealing a couple of telephone wires in a plastic cup and filling the cup with water. The water leaked around the wire so obviously its not the same stuff.

I've got a few hours to solve the last of my problems before my friends show up Friday to help step the mast.

Gary

rtbates · Post by **rtbates** » Apr 26th, '06, 09:25

Home Depot sells a product called Marine Goop. It's great stuff.

Will work on wet surfaces!!!

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Apr 26th, '06, 09:28

jdhunter wrote: Boatlife makes a sealant called Lifeseal. Lifeseal is alot like 4200, but easier to seperate later. It's my understanding that it is a blend of polyester and silicone with favorable properties of each. Good luck on your project.

Jay

I have used Lifeseal for many things and it has become my prefered sealant for above the waterline, it really seems to have the ideal qualities, good sealing with some amount of bonding ability and not too difficult to remove when needed.

Gary M · Post by **Gary M** » Apr 27th, '06, 19:58

I e mailed 3M with my specific needs for a sealant and I just got their replay.

"We do not manufacture or market a product that will fit your needs."

Life Seal it is then.

Gary

The Cape Dory Board

3M 101 or 4200 or ?

3M 101 or 4200 or ?

not 4200

Consider Lifeseal

Wire Sealant

Life Seal or Dux Seal

Marine Goop

Re: Consider Lifeseal

3M just responded!