ligquid nails

[wallo9]

As many know I'm in the process of refitting my old venture and I'm knew to all of this but it's coming along learning to work with the differant adhesives is a study in it's self but I never here anyone mention liquid nails on the the tube it says it's water proof as i have used it plenty of times with good results is it O.K. to use at least top side on the boat?

[CharlieJ]

As a retired pro boat builder, I would recommend not on the liquid nails.

Might work ok, might not. Why chance it?

[Tim]

Of course Charlie is correct, but just to reiterate, often when they say something is waterproof they mean it can get wet and hold its strength IF it dries out right away. Construction adhesive "Liquid nails" will give way with repeated exposure.

[wallo9]

Wellthose are good answers, even though it is a trailered boat if the water got under the glass it would become soggy with no holding power. Thanks

[Steve Bean]

If one  has access to liquid nails, a body of water, and some boatbuilding  materials such as wood and fiberglass, it would be pretty easy to conduct an experiment.  Join some of the materials with the liquid nails, let it cure, and put into the water.  I just might have these things myself...
Steve

[newt]

Whats wrong with 5200 or 4200? If something is not broke why fix it?

[s/v Faith]

Whats wrong with 5200 or 4200? If something is not broke why fix it?

I suspect the problem with the 3M products is their cost.... I know that is why I use PL sealant (polysulfide).

It is approximately 25% of the cost of marine branded products and is (IME) the same thing.

[s/v Faith]

For more info on the merits and problems with various sealants please see;

Silicone; Dont use it and why.

... and for the love of all that is good....

NEVER use silicone on your boat!*   






*_{Disclaimer: this advice does not apply to bedding ports (where there is NO contact to fiberglass... or the use of RTV on engine parts... but that is about it...}

[AdriftAtSea]

I'd point out that 3M 4200/5200 and silicone sealants have very few legitimate uses on a boat. For any above-the-waterline hardware that is through-bolted, I generally recommend Butyl Tape, rather than anything else. The exception is if the fitting is exposed to fuel...since Butyl Tape is damage by petroleum products.

[CharlieJ]

I'd point out that 3M 4200/5200 and silicone sealants have very few legitimate uses on a boat. For any above-the-waterline hardware that is through-bolted, I generally recommend Butyl Tape, rather than anything else. The exception is if the fitting is exposed to fuel...since Butyl Tape is damage by petroleum products.

Must disagree on the 4200- my sealant of choice in almostmall my boat work.5200 also has some usesbut not asany for sure.
Butyl tape can be hard to find also, depending on where you are.

[Frank]

I'd point out that 3M 4200/5200  have very few legitimate uses on a boat. 

I'd point out that I'd never be without it 

[AdriftAtSea]

The problem I have with 4200 is one of quality control. Many places don't sell enough of it and it starts to cure in the tube from what I can tell.  It is very expensive, and once opened has a fairly short shelf-life.  Butyl Tape almost never goes bad, is a lot less costly and is much easier to use IMHO.

5200 has few legitimate uses, like bedding the hull-keel join, but other than that it is far too agressive and strong an adhesive.  It should never be used on parts that may need to be removed at some point in the future, and if the parts are through-bolted, it isn't necessary to have the strength of 5200's adhesive bonding most times.  Also, it isn't as flexible or elastic as butyl tape.

[newt]

Practical sailor just had a write up. They did like 4200, but maybe I should be more flexible...

[CharlieJ]

Two points on both 4200 and 5200.

Always squeeze the tubes before you buy if buying small tubes. If the tube is even a little hard, pass on it. A newer tube will feel soft.

Secondly, once opened, store the tubes (caulking gun tubes too) in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator. They'll keep for months there.

[AdriftAtSea]

Two points on both 4200 and 5200.

Always squeeze the tubes before you buy if buying small tubes. If the tube is even a little hard, pass on it. A newer tube will feel soft.

Secondly, once opened, store the tubes (caulking gun tubes too) in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator. They'll keep for months there.

True, but most stores only have a limited supply and usually all of them will be bad.  Also, can't squeeze the caulk tubes.

[Steve Bean]

High cost and limited shelf life are my main objections to 5200.  I'd like to try butyl tape.   
I just removed some white bedding compound from the ironwood toerails on my Samson C-Mist 32, built in 1976.  It seemed like Dolfinite and was still soft and workable after 35 years.   

[Auspicious]

I use 4200 for just about all the adhesive/sealant needs on my boat. My local West Marine stores all have a lot of turnover so I buy the little 3 oz ($$$) tubes there. For big jobs planned ahead I get the big tubes from Defender.

[carl762]

Home Depot, Lowe's and some hardware stores sell 3M products at prices a lot less than West's and other chandleries.   Amazon's prices are up there with the marine supply places.   I and two friends use 5200 on our boats, with success. 

Actually, I'm betting good auto supply stores would have it as well.  

I'd like to try some Butyl tape sometime.  

Great tip on keeping tubes stored in the vegetable crisper. 

[CharlieJ]

Most WalMarts also carry the 3M products.