Caulk or Marinetex then caulk?

[hostage]

I finally found a source of a leak and it is the grab rail mount. When I removed it a small chip of gelcoat came off with it. The chip is so mall that it can be covered by the mount of the grab rail. I went ahead and cleaned up the caulk off the boat and around the grab rail. My question is can I just re-caulk everything or should I first fill in the small chip w/ marinetex that is going to be covered up by the grab rail, then caulk? I am using a poly caulk that I got from west marine as they did not carry small amounts of 4200. I do have some 5200, though people told me to use that for only under the water line stuff. I would like to get this sealed up ASAP as it has been raining a lot up here and I don't want any more water in my cuddy cabin.

Thanks in advance,

Hostage

 

[JoLin]

Re: Caulk or Marinetex then caulk?

Personally I'd fill the chip with epoxy first and smooth it out. In general it's a good idea to make any mounting surface clean and level before attaching something to it. Nothing bad will happen if you skip that step in this case, though.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Caulk or Marinetex then caulk?

5200 is not limited to underwater use - same with Marine Tex. I would use either with a preference to Marine Tex as you can mix a small amount. With 5200 once you open the tube it will eventually harden even with the cap properly screwed on.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Caulk or Marinetex then caulk?

5200 doesn't harden, it cures. It remains soft, but is permanent. Marine Tex is an epoxy that hardens to a sandable surface. They serve different purposes, 4200 & 5200 are both marine grade calk that both remain flexible when cured but 4200 can be removed while 5200 is very tough to get off once adhered.

 

[hostage]

Re: Caulk or Marinetex then caulk?

After the rain wasn't playing well with me, I just used caulk and nothing else. Only the next rain fall will tell...