Deck Hardware Gasket - Neoprene

[maccauley123]

I did a search and did not find anything about this, just use of neoprene as a gasket for windows.

I am refurbishing my boat which includes work on deck hardware. I have had some leaks which have driven me batty I want to eliminate. For lifeline stanchions and other areas I want to try using neoprene as a gasket material. I figure if I cut it to fit the item, drill holes slightly smaller than the bolts, when I tighten down it should compress nicely creating a great seal. Neoprene is resistant to nearly everything and is supposed to be really durable. Using a material like this I figure it should be distributed evenly so no voids.

Anyone ever tried this? Anything I am not thinking of? Thanks.

[camaraderie]

maccauly...you need to use a true bedding compound suggest Boatlife Life Caulk or 3M 4200 sealants.
this article should be helpful:
What Sealant Do You Need? by Don Casey

[sailingdog]

I don't think Neoprene makes such a good gasket material for boats, especially for stanchions, which are often under varying loads... since it will compress a bit under a higher load and may not rebound to fill the gap as securely after a few cycles of that. The better marine sealants, like 3M 4200 are fairly adhesive and will stick to both surfaces, even if the surfaces move a bit.

[DrB]

Neoprene isn't the answer.

Neoprene is prone to degradation from ozone and oxidation over time. Although it is eleongs quite a bit and appears tough, it is tears easily if it is nicked or cut.

Using a gasket is best used for static environments, not a dynamic one like a lifeline stantion base. Also, water will still egress in along the neoprene/topside "bond"line since it is only a mechanical bond and not an adhesive sealed bond. As the gasket ages in from exposure ozone and oxidation, the resiliencey of the material will degrade over time and it will crack..

Adhesive bonding is the only way to make this work.

DrB