Chainplate Caulking

[dougshipl]

So we're getting ready to recaulk/bed our chainplates/covers etc as a routine PM. I have always used 3M 101 for such jobs but wanted to get thoughts on anything that's possibly better before I start the job this weekend. Its on a 46ft bluewater sloop so the chainplates get a good workout. Any thoughts on anything beyond using 3M 101? Anyone use 4200 polyurethane with extended success for such jobs? All thoughts are certainly appreciated.
Thx!

[sailingdog]

BUTYL TAPE is probably your best bet. It is far more flexible and elastic than either 3M 4200 or 3M 101. It is also one of the best choices for things like chainplates, since it never cures... stays pliable and flexible for years.

[josrulz]

My chainplate covers are just screwed into the deck, and I've been using 3M101. For hardware that's through-bolted, I use butyl tape, and am a big fan. I've heard you can use butyl for screwed-in hardware with some extra care (like heating up the butyl tape so it will squeeze out more easily), but I didn't want to go through that much trouble. If you have through-bolted chainplate covers, or you don't mind the extra work for the screwed-in covers, then butyl tape is great stuff.

[nickmerc]

+1 for butyl tape. I did my chain plates this spring and have been very happy with the results. I through bolted all the screws I could for the covers and left the remaining few as screwed into the deck. Instead of heating the butyl I just pushed it into the gap around the chainplates by hand, put the covers on and tightened them until the butyl just started to flow out. Each day I would tighten the screws. After a week I started to check them once per week. It takes 5 minutes to tighten the covers each time and you won't strip the threads for the deck screwed covers.
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Colorado medical marijuana

[dougshipl]

Excellent- thx you all