SilPruf SCS2000

[knothead]

I would like to get opinions on using this product for bedding/sealing through deck chainplates. Does anyone have any experience with using it?
Thanks.

[knothead]

In the course of further research, I discovered that Island Packet uses this stuff.

"This silicone bonds tenaciously to stainless and is used on all current IPs to seal chainplates, ports, and hatches. Price is per tube."

Island Packet Yachts Ship's Store

I know that some feel that there are very few applications for silicone on boats, but I'm wondering if this product is different.

I'm hoping that Maine will chime in with his thoughts.

[Faster]

I think the 'no silicone rule' mostly applies to those silicones that smell like vinegar.. eg DC 795 is a silicone but is recommended for sealing portlights, and we've had good success with it on numerous occasions.

Seems to me that there's been a discussion on Silpruf elsewhere here in threads on that topic.

Not much specific info, but one satisfied user... the threads are here:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/search...earchid=460436

Good to see you here btw!!

[sailingdog]

I wouldn't use it... Silicones tend to leave contaminants on fiberglass and the adhesion and elasticity aren't all that great for chain plates, which tend to move and flex a fair bit. I've seen chainplates on a Norman Cross 34 trimaran that was 28 years old, and it was still quite flexible and sticky...

[Maine Sail]

While SilPruf is good stuff for polycarb and acrylic you'd not catch me dead using it for other bedding. Silicone is silicone in terms of contamination and I have been on the receiving end of it all too often. If you think IP owners don't have leaking chain plates try telling that to the guy two boats down from me who was re-bedding his two years ago due to leaks. Or tell it to me as my next door neighbors IP was one I rebedded the chain plates on due to leaks. Took a whole day to clean up that silicone. Never once assumed a builder would have been the one that used "stupidcone", assumed it was a PO, but now I know.... Well built chain plate design but poor choice of sealant, in my experience.

You want a real rise out of someone bring up "stupidcone" on the Plastic Classic Forum and Tim Lackey, ex Hinckely guy and owner of Norhern Sailboat Restorations, will give you an ear full!!

If I know of at least two IP's, and have physically re-bedded one of them, there are surely others...

[smackdaddy]

Knot!!!! Baby!!!!!! You're back!!!!!!

Man it's good to see you around!!!!

[knothead]

Thank you all for your replies.

SD, I read this on the product's data sheet.
" ±50% Movement Capacity - can accommodate 50% movement in both extension and compression and has excellent recovery after cycling."
I'm not sure how that compares to other sealants but it seemed to be pretty good.
http://www.siliconeforbuilding.com/p..._SilPruf_P.pdf

Maine, I was pretty sure how you felt about silicone. I was thinking that this stuff might be different.
I realize that just because a manufacturer has a preference for a particular product doesn't mean it's the best. I just thought that IP might be a better than average firm to emulate.
Also, I seem to remember reading once that you recommend a fairly large gap around the chainplate. Could you remind me what you said about that?

Smack, I wasn't really gone. But thanks for the sentiments. Ditto.

[sailingdog]

Consider that the top plate on some chainplates may have at most a 1/16" of sealant beneath it... 50% means the chainplate top coverplate can only move 1/32" before breaking the sealant's seal. If you have an 1/8" around the chainplate, and the chainplate moves more than 1/16", the sealant will likely break. Butyl tape usually has a much higher elasticity, but it is brand dependent.

Originally Posted by knothead

Thank you all for your replies.

SD, I read this on the product's data sheet.
" ±50% Movement Capacity - can accommodate 50% movement in both extension and compression and has excellent recovery after cycling."
I'm not sure how that compares to other sealants but it seemed to be pretty good.
http://www.siliconeforbuilding.com/p..._SilPruf_P.pdf

Maine, I was pretty sure how you felt about silicone. I was thinking that this stuff might be different.
I realize that just because a manufacturer has a preference for a particular product doesn't mean it's the best. I just thought that IP might be a better than average firm to emulate.
Also, I seem to remember reading once that you recommend a fairly large gap around the chainplate. Could you remind me what you said about that?

Smack, I wasn't really gone. But thanks for the sentiments. Ditto.