Keel hardware bedding compound/sealant recommendations

[nickpitcher]

Forgive me if this topic has already been covered, I've searched with no avail.

I'm planning on replacing my keel nuts, washers and plates with stainless hardware as they've rusted as a result occasional water in the bilge over the years.

I've removed the hardware from one of the bolts to inspect its condition and fortunately the bolt is rust free, meaning that whatever bedding compound/sealant used is obviously doing a fantastic job, especially seeing as the boat is 40 years old!

Anyway the sealant is a white soft sticky (non-setting) compound. I'd really like to use this type of sealant again when I replace the hardware, however I can't seem to find any solid information on what it might be.

It's virtually the same compound illustrated in this video: https://youtu.be/5-RZQVA1lCU?t=375

If anyone could provide some insight into what type of bedding compound/sealant this might be it'd be much appreciated!

Cheers

[Weatherbird]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the stuff in the video is Tef-Gel.

[nickpitcher]

Originally Posted by Weatherbird

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the stuff in the video is Tef-Gel.

That’s my best guess too. However I thought that was an anti-seizure/corrosion paste for between the nuts and bolts. Do you know if it’d be suitable as a bedding compound too?

Cheers

[Weatherbird]

I imagine it would depend on the fit. My instinct is to use butyl under the plate but hopefully someone with more insight will come along.

[wrwakefield]

I’m betting the compound you are asking about is Dolfinite. (A Non-hardening sealant also used for bedding keels, etc.)

A couple of things you likely already know: Only torque your keel bolts while the boat is in the hard so the keel hull joint is fully compressed. Also, Attainable Adventure Cruising (Morgan’s cloud.com) has an excellent series on calculating required torque and tightening pattern for keel bolts that you may find very edifying.

Cheers, Bill

[SailingHarmonie]

Originally Posted by Weatherbird

I imagine it would depend on the fit. My instinct is to use butyl under the plate but hopefully someone with more insight will come along.

To the OP: What you have is almost surely Dolfinite, NOT tef-gel. If you were confused because you because you think Tef-gel is a anti-seize NOT a bedding compound... you would be RIGHT! Dolfinite has been used to bed keels for longer than most of us have been alive... it works.

Butyl tape is great stuff, but this is NOT the right application for it.

[nickpitcher]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

To the OP: What you have is almost surely Dolfinite, NOT tef-gel. If you were confused because you because you think Tef-gel is a anti-seize NOT a bedding compound... you would be RIGHT! Dolfinite has been used to bed keels for longer than most of us have been alive... it works.

Butyl tape is great stuff, but this is NOT the right application for it.

Thanks for confirming! Unfortunately I can't seem to find Dolfinite in my area, do you know of any common alternatives? Perhaps a 3M or Sika product?

Cheers, Nick

[BAD ORCA]

Originally Posted by nickpitcher

Thanks for confirming! Unfortunately I can't seem to find Dolfinite in my area, do you know of any common alternatives? Perhaps a 3M or Sika product?

Cheers, Nick

Sika 291 is used for bedding keels as well. Thats what the yard near me uses.