Non-adhesive sealants??

[labatt]

So I finally did something this year that I should have done last year when we bought our boat - I pulled the cover off that accesses the rudder post in times of emergency. When I pulled it off, it looks like there had been some sort of silicone clear material, almost gasketlike, on the threads of the cover. Obviously, this all went away when I pulled the cover off. Now I'm afraid (and I know it will happen) that I'm going to get leakage through the access port, even though it's screwed on tight. What should I use to put on the threads to provide a seal, but will still easily allow me to remove the cover when needed?

Maybe something like this? Click Here

Thanks!!!

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by labatt

So I finally did something this year that I should have done last year when we bought our boat - I pulled the cover off that accesses the rudder post in times of emergency. When I pulled it off, it looks like there had been some sort of silicone clear material, almost gasketlike, on the threads of the cover. Obviously, this all went away when I pulled the cover off. Now I'm afraid (and I know it will happen) that I'm going to get leakage through the access port, even though it's screwed on tight. What should I use to put on the threads to provide a seal, but will still easily allow me to remove the cover when needed?

Maybe something like this? Click Here

Thanks!!!

There should be a black o-ring type gasket under that access plate? Do you have a photo?

BTW silicone is NOT non-adhesive it actually has a bond strength of about 220 PSI which is similar to Sikaflex 291 at 221 PSI. 3M 101 Polysulfide is about the lowest at 139 PSI. You might try some teflon tape and some plumbers pipe dope..

[Lbjordal]

The only thing that comes to mind is some kind butyl sealant, however I do not know how well it will age at sea. It is mainly used for caravan windows and such.

It will not glue the parts, but stays tacky, so some effort will be needed to remove the cover

[Freesail99]

I really do think teflon tape or some plumbers pipe dope would address the issues of leaks in a simple way.

[timebandit]

Permatex #2

[labatt]

Originally Posted by halekai36

There should be a black o-ring type gasket under that access plate? Do you have a photo?

BTW silicone is NOT non-adhesive it actually has a bond strength of about 220 PSI which is similar to Sikaflex 291 at 221 PSI. 3M 101 Polysulfide is about the lowest at 139 PSI. You might try some teflon tape and some plumbers pipe dope..

No photo, but whatever was there before was coating parts of the thread - it was not an O-Ring. Plumber's pipe dope and teflon tape aren't a bad idea...

[labatt]

Permatex looks intriguing

[labatt]

Interesting link... "John's guide to goo" - John's Guide to Goo

[lharmon]

Is your access port in the cockpit? If so why not wait till after a rain and see if you have any leakage. If no leakage why worry?

There are also some wimpy temporary weatherseal type caulks that are designed to be removable from year to year that you could use on the threads before winter layup if you are worried about freeze thaw issues. They would peel off much like the sealant you described. I can probably find a link or two if you would like.

[lharmon]

Sorry I must have sent the post here is a link http://www.wlcaulk.com/documents/fulllinewlguide.pdf to a temporary weatherseal type caulk. There are other brands as well. Look for WL0959500 White Lightning removable weather stripping. It might do what you need, easily come off next time you want in there and not gunk up the works.