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Cruisin' Threads => Gear Here => Topic started by: Captain Smollett on October 26, 2009, 08:20:41 AM

Title: Butyl Tape
Post by: Captain Smollett on October 26, 2009, 08:20:41 AM
Need some info about the butyl tape used for sealing portlights.

I used the search function and got "No Results Found."   Grrr.

I looked here (http://www.butyltape.org/) and saw round 'tapes' and wondered if this is what is being used for portlights.

Also, for anyone who has had good results actually using tape to seal portlights, did you use any kind of butyl primer, or just the tape on clean glass (both glass cabin structure and 'glass' ports.)

Yes, we've recently developed a leak that we did NOT have before.   Grrr again.  Get one thing fixed, two more 'break.'

Gotta love boats.    ;D
Title: Re: Butyl Tape
Post by: AdriftAtSea on October 26, 2009, 09:50:48 AM
Captain Smollett—

You can get the Butyl tape that is used for sealing ports and such at most glass repair shops or RV supply stores. The stuff is usually about 3/4" wide and about a 1/16" thick and comes in a paper-backed roll.  You shouldn't need any primer for it, as it sticks to most materials without any special preparation other than cleaning. 

(http://www.rvupgradestore.com/ProductImages/stag/381467.jpg) (http://www.rvupgradestore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=938&site=google_base)
Click on the image to see where you can buy it.
Title: Re: Butyl Tape
Post by: Oldrig on October 26, 2009, 10:40:16 AM
Dan's right.

I tried hardware stores, marine stores and so forth.

Then I called an RV place--and they carried the rolls of tape. Lots of it for very little money.

BTW, they also carry the quick-dissolving toilet paper at a much lower price than marine stores.

--Joe
Title: Re: Butyl Tape
Post by: Captain Smollett on October 26, 2009, 08:46:55 PM
Thanks, guys.  I'll try to the local RV shops before I explore online sources.

Grog for both ...
Title: Re: Butyl Tape
Post by: AdriftAtSea on October 30, 2009, 10:35:11 PM
Glad to help Captain Smollett.

If the RV shop fails, don't forget to try local glass repair shops... I just got a roll of it for a friend at Glaser Auto Glass in New Bedford...
Title: Re: Butyl Tape
Post by: mitiempo on November 02, 2009, 02:57:36 AM
It comes in black or grey. You want grey. Looks a lot better on a boat.
Brian

Title: Re: Butyl Tape
Post by: AdriftAtSea on November 02, 2009, 07:55:35 AM
Grey's easier to clean up after too...the black smears and looks like heck.