Looking for the correct sealant???

[kep5niner]

I'm looking for the correct sealant to use in two different applications. The first is where the windshield frame meets the gel coat top side. It doesn't seem structural, and after 7 years it's kind of chalked-up and crumbling away. It's about an 1/8" bead.

The second application is where the radar arch meets the gel coat. It appears to be much more pliable, and the bead is up to 3/8", but has separated in several locations. Both locations are secured with mechanical fasteners, so a construction adhesive is not what I'm looking for. I've found and read a good article, linked below, but that left me with more questions than answers. Butyl tape and silicone have been eliminated as options.

Any ideas on what would work best for my projects?

Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

How about silicone caulk?

 

[kep5niner]

Thanks for the response. From my personal experience, and as referenced in the article, hopefully there are better options than silicone. Once you use silicone on something, basically nothing else can follow it (if necessary) as it leaves a residue that nothing else - even new silicone - cannot adhere to.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Butyl tape between the windshield frame and gel coat with a beauty bead of 3M 4000 UV to seal the edge

someone probably used 5200 or other non UV sealant

the radar arch would be butyl tape and a beauty bead of 3M 4000 UV to seal the edge

stay away from silly-cone as it has no place on a boat other than maybe implants

 

[Watermann]

On those types of objects needing sealed I would use Sikaflex.
https://retail.usa.sika.com/en/products/sealants/non-sag/sikaflexr-construction-sealant-0

 

[dingbat]

I've found and read a good article, linked below, but that left me with more questions than answers. Butyl tape and silicone have been eliminated as options.!

The notion that silicon can’t be removed is complete BS.

Every hatch on my deck is sealed with GE silicon 2 at the recommendation of my OEM. Removed and reapplied very couple of years to inspect the fuel tanks.

Silicon isn’t the right stuff for your windshield, but I don’t wouldn’t write if off based on bogus info in the article

 

[TyeeMan]

There is a 3M sealant made for boats, , , unfortunately I can't remember the name of it, , lasts forever tho.

Another really good sealant is called Eternabond. The name says it all.

 

[Scott Danforth]

There is a 3M sealant made for boats, , , unfortunately I can't remember the name of it, , lasts forever tho.

3M 4000 UV for above water line if exposed to UV
3M 4200 for above or below the water line if not exposed to UV and you want to remove it
3M 5200 for above or below the water line if not exposed to UV if you want to take a knife and grinder to remove it

Sika-Flex has similar products

From my own personal experience, butyl tape will last over 30 years and still be pliable and removable if needed. it is used by many boat and yacht OEMs as well as the RV market.