hiking strap retro how to seal bolts

AJC6882

Member
I just installed my hiking strap but i need to know what to use for sealant on the bolts. I have everything dry fitted right now but should i use 3m 5200? or should i just use a clear silicone sealant. i was thinking that the silicone would be better. Any suggestions?
 
5200 is a permanent adhesive, so only use it when you're sure that you'll never want to remove whatever you're installing. If you do have to remove something installed with 5200, plan on cutting or breaking away the gelcoat and possibly fiberglass to get it off. So between the two, silicone is better.

But 3M also makes a 4200, which is a great compromise between the two. It's available in a quick dry formula, goes on and stays white, and is removable when necessary. It's my personal preference for situations like yours.
 
Use 3M 5200, it will clean up with acetone. Plus it it will give you a better seal for a longer period of time. 5200 will take 14 days to set up before using though.
Kevin
 
Another vote for the 5200. It is the compound used to bed components on all major sailing equipment. It will come off, just not as easily as others.
Silcone, believe it or not, is actually outdate technology today as for use as a marine caulk. It's been bypassed by urathane and poly sulfide (which is what the 5200 is) caulking compounds.
 

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