How I use Butyl Mastic tape to seal deck fittings, fibreglass boat restoration projects

[@banthaoverland]

Cool trick with the wrench!

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

@@banthaoverland Desperation leads to innovation!

[@johnanderson3842]

Thanks for the cid. Great advice. I would only add to counter bore the holes ie give the top of the hole a bevel giving motor surface area for the tape to grab and lessen the possibility of spider cracks in the fiberglass around the fitting

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Great point!

[@KevatStocko]

Sunmaid is looking fabulous Chris.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks. Too good to part company!

[@frederickwood9116]

Grumble. You reminded me of the list of jobs. Oh I know I’ll enjoy it once I start. I’m not started yet though. Thanks for sharing.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

It’s quite time consuming for sure.

[@stevewolf7205]

Yer chris i did all fittings on my investigator no long ago I think it good system see boat coming along well hope go for a couple sails before you sell her cheers

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Yes that’s the plan

[@fabmanly1070]

Nice one

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks

[@mikehogan9265]

I have been replacing the fittings on my Sonata 26 using white buytl tape. I do countersink the surface a little to form a bit of a pool of buytl. Seems to give a better seal. Following on from your use of foam where core has rotted I decided to use Gorilla glue based on some research. It certainly forms a very solid foam and the area done appears very solid.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks for the feedback. Good ideas. Someone recommended 2 pack foam.

[@gerardwise67]

Thanks for the great tips. I'm refitting a 40 year old sailing yacht alone and using the mastic/butyl tape to secure the spanner will be a good alternative to using vise grips. What's the disadvantage using 3M 5200? I've replaced most through hull fittings and have extra 5200 i was going to use reseating the deck hardware.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Good quality polyurethane sealant is always an excellent choice. I think for bigger projects and boats that sit out in the elements polyurethane is the way to go. My boats sit in a shed or under a tarp most of their lives.

[@davelawrence6777]

Butyl tape is great stuff use it all the time and I've take lose things that have had it used on and twenty years later it's still workable you can peel it off work it with your hands and it will still be soft

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

I agree. After 35 years I replaced the garboard seams on Moonlight. Same story.

[@alanmctavish3628]

Should a person tighten the nut & not the screw?

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

That would be ideal. When working on my own I put a pair of vicegrips on the inside to make tightening possible.

[@garythreadgill8913]

I did smile when you showed your callipers. I wonder how many people know how to read a vernier scale rather than a digital readout these days.

[@JohnSavage1984]

Just watched your trailer roadworthy video and was wondering do you use white marine grease or regular blue bearing grease?

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

I use the regular blue grease it turns white if you get any water in it that’s easy to see

[@JohnSavage1984]

@@SmallSailboatCruising Thanks, I've never been very confident with the white though some do use it and recommend it.

[@sailoutofagarage6212]

It looks fine, how long does this seal last?

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Butyl rubber has been around forever. I’ve got seams in my wooden boat that I only replaced five years ago after 35 years of service. It’s used as a roofing sealant where 25 year guarantees are required.

[@johnsmall9729]

Thanks Chris. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but would the butyl mastic be appropriate for metal fittings on wooden boat?

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Absolutely. I am about to refit the port lights on Claire de Lune. I’ve used it on Moonlight for 40 years.

[@johnsmall9729]

@@SmallSailboatCruising Cheers Chris!

[@eddiedownunder9881]

Great video . I am also on the sunny coast and about to buy myself some butyl tape for my timber trailer build . Are there any recommendations you have on which brand to look out for ?.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

I have been using the bunnings offering. It has worked well for me.

[@eddiedownunder9881]

@@SmallSailboatCruising Many thanks . Great channel , enjoying your videos .

[@arthurdunger4223]

Research on using butyl tape and fittings suggested that the fastening be held steady and the nuts be tightened from below. A better seal is accomplished. Ideally a small countersink added to the top of the drilled hole adds to the seal. Not easy on your own I realise.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Good point. Less of a problem in hot climates. Lower viscosity helps.