Marine sealant

[superdan]

I have to replace the bilge drain plug with an after market replacement. Any thoughts on a good marine sealant? Thanks, Dan

[adam aunins]

From what I've read if it's anything you will need to remove in the future than you (DO NOT) want to use 3M 5200. 3M makes other sealents that will work but still allow you to remove it in the future, I think it's 4200 or some other number that's lower. Your local boat store or Walmart should have the 3M line in stock by the boat stuff.

[bkafer]

I have used the 3m clear silicon sealant quite often. works great above and below the water line.

I've even used it in my aquarium.

[superdan]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. Dan

[Woden]

I just replaced the centerboard pivot bolt, rubber washers and ss washers.
The previous washers leaked 5 gal. of water every hour and a half. I went to lowes to get some silicon sealant and was directed to the "marine" isle where the sales associate recomended 3M5200. On the tube it says sealant / adhesive. I bought it. Gooped up the washers, bolts and nut. Takes a week for the stuff to dry. Put the boat in the water and no leaks. Bone Dry!!!!!!
I also put a brass pipe nipple where the down haul centerboard rope exit s from the main trunk as recomended in Rogers book. Gooped the heck out of that with 3M5200. No Leaks!!!!!!!!.
Then I took this foam that you spray between windows and door jams in between the inner and outer trunk where the down haul line exits the centerboard trunk. The foam is called "Great Stuff".
I was not goung to put up with any leaks this year. This is the second year I had the boat and when I bought it, it leaked considerably.

I would post some pictures of the improvements but can not figure how to insert them in the post.

Pete