Use Spartite to seal chainplates

[badadim]

I used Sikaflex-292i to seal chainplaits covers. It lasted only for 2 years when I was expecting up to 5. Well, not all of the covers are leaking but one started to leak.

- is it unrealistic to expect covers not to leak for 5 years?
- should I re-seal the covers annually?
- what is the best sealant to use and was Sikaflex-292i right choice?
- timeframe for Sikaflex vs 3M vs butyl tape?
- will it be dumb to fill the gap between the chain plates and the hull with Spartite before applying any sealant under the covers?

I am very happy with Spartite on the mast - no leaks for 5 years now. Will it work on the chainplates?

Thank you!

[slug]

Originally Posted by badadim

I used Sikaflex-292i to seal chainplaits covers. It lasted only for 2 years when I was expecting up to 5. Well, not all of the covers are leaking but one started to leak.

- is it unrealistic to expect covers not to leak for 5 years?
- should I re-seal the covers annually?
- what is the best sealant to use and was Sikaflex-292i right choice?
- timeframe for Sikaflex vs 3M vs butyl tape?
- will it be dumb to fill the gap between the chain plates and the hull with Spartite before applying any sealant under the covers?

I am very happy with Spartite on the mast - no leaks for 5 years now. Will it work on the chainplates?

Thank you!

It’s possible that your chainplate covers are not leaking . The leak may be coming from the teak deck

It the teak deck caulking joints are be broken, water will travel between planks and into the chainplate

Wet your deck with a hose ...as it dries look for wet seams in the deck near the chainplate s

Water can travel more than A meter along s broken deck seam

[badadim]

Originally Posted by slug

It’s possible that your chainplate covers are not leaking . The leak may be coming from the teak deck

It the teak deck caulking joints are be broken, water will travel between planks and into the chainplate

Wet your deck with a hose ...as it dries look for wet seams in the deck near the chainplate s

Water can travel more than A meter along s broken deck seam

Thank you for the hint. I do know it is the plate cover leaking since I was able to isolate it and spray over the leaking plate with some junk household sealant just to stop the leak for now before I re-seal it properly. Teak seems to be okay for now.

[SunKing]

i used butyl... 12 years and no leaks... no teak...

[Island Time O25]

+1 on butyl.

In the last 10 years only had to redo once in a few places. The rest I believe is no less than 15 years old, perhaps even the original. It amazes me why people would go for all that "new and improved" stuff when the old standby works like a charm. I guess it's the victory of marketing departments.

[s/v Jedi]

Yes, butyl, but make sure you get the good stuff from Rod Collins, Marine Howto. I have used what West Marine sells and it’s horrible.

[bradfordharley]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Yes, butyl, but make sure you get the good stuff from Rod Collins, Marine Howto. I have used what West Marine sells and it’s horrible.

Completely agree on the West Marine stuff. Absolutely terrible. I have a roll of Rod's stuff on my workbench and can't wait to try it over the next few days.

[dennismenace111]

I'm a butyl tape believer too!

[Bycrick]

+1 on Rod Collins butyl taps. 5+ years in Panama and it doesn’t leak.

[JD-MDR]

I used butyl tape on my midship cleats and one seems to be leaking a little at the bolt. Can someone tell me What is the best way to seal the bolts? I wrapped a ring around the head and also put the tape,I think two layers on the bottom of the wood block and under the cleat.

[Boatwright]

Use a counter sink to cut a cone around the bolt holes. Wrap some butyl around the shank of the bolt under the cover plate. It will form a butyl o-ring of enough thickness to keep the water from wicking.

Works great.

[SVTatia]

This timely as I am replacing my chainplates so I'll jump in if I may...
Sikaflex or butyl should work, how the sealing is applied sure makes a difference, no?

Butyl comes in a tape form, should it be forced into the gap after you install the chainplates? These gaps are very narrow, and if we enlarge, the risk of leaks increase due to the sideways force as the chainplates and sealant move back and forth/sideways.

Butyl works when its always compressed and if that is not the case, it could leak. How do you “force” the tape into the hole and ensure there are no gaps?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but if we use Sika or similar and “pour” the caulk down the gaps using a caulking gun until we see it down the other side, we could get a better seal - then place the butyl tape under the chainplate cover to completely seal the top under compression.

I’d rather use only butyl, but I need to understand how to best place it in the gap. Thanks for the help.

[Boatwright]

"How do you “force” the tape into the hole and ensure there are no gaps?"

See my comment above.

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by Boatwright

Use a counter sink to cut a cone around the bolt holes. Wrap some butyl around the shank of the bolt under the cover plate. It will form a butyl o-ring of enough thickness to keep the water from wicking.

Works great.

Originally Posted by Boatwright

"How do you “force” the tape into the hole and ensure there are no gaps?"

See my comment above.

Your post above takes care of the bolts holding down the cover right?
I am concerned with gap around the chainplate itself.

[badadim]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

Your post above takes care of the bolts holding down the cover right?
I am concerned with gap around the chainplate itself.

This is why I was asking about over-killing it with Spartite. It will be a bit more work to seal and cure but once it is there in the gap - it is there forever until you need to get chainplates out. This obviously requires access from the inside to create the base for Spartite (it is very liquid before it cures).


Butyl tape or any other sealant become more cosmetical or simply prevent moisture from getting into the deck core and can be used between the plate cover and Spartite.


Thoughts?