The Boating Forum - BoatLife Life Caulk…Anyone use it?

I was going to use it to caulk the seams between the fiberglass and interior around the sides of the boat. I was also thinking of using it to rebed some things; cleats, console mounted elect., and possibly my rubrails. My questions are how well does it work and any problems/ complaints. Let me know how you guys applied it too, any advise before I start. Thanks

I have used it. If I remember correctly it works similar to 4200 I believe.

I've used it for many years with no problem, except it didn't hold well to teak (if I remember correctly). It's an old, dependable product. It ISN'T an adhesive.

im jpretty sure it does not have the adhesive power of 4200. i have been very happy with its sealing properties.

It's a caulk, more than an adhesive. It would work well for the applications you describe. It isn't as tenacious as 5200, or even 4200 and so it is easier to remove. That's a big plus when you want to change hardware or something.

If you were talking about something permanent, and you wanted the goop to provide adhesion, not just keep water out, 4200 or 5200 is a better bet.

You could use that or their Life Seal, which is a blend of polysulfide and silicone, which would make removal of items eaiser.

One tip I'll add, when bedding things subject to stress ... put on the goop of your choice and tighten the fasteners 1/2 way to < than snug. Wait for the gop to cure, then tighten, that way the goops also forms a gasket. IMHO people tighten things too tight - too quickly and the result is a "dry" joint. Yes, this method takes longer ... but its done right.

Thanks for the advise guys. I am just looking to use it as a sealant not an adhesive.

Reel-Rascals- Great suggestion- never would have thought to do that but will deff do that! Should work great for the cleats.

Thanks, again

can it be used below the waterline?

can it be used below the waterline?

Yes.

One product you should NEVER use below the waterline is PHENOSEAL. In fact, never use Phenoseal anyplace that may be subject to standing or puddled water. Phenoseal re-emulsifies in standing water and creates a gigantic mess. I KNOW.

I've used it for about 15 years now. Above and below water line.

Doesn't run as much when applied as the 3M products. Sets up faster in humid conditions.

I've not bought 4200 but I used 5200 in a couple of places last year.

If you buy the small tube, wipe off the screw threads before capping again. Don't buy the caulking gun tube unless you have a big job or multiple jobs.

Dana

we used it to seal all the new thru hulls and head discharge on my buddies boat works great

I love this stuff! I have used Life Seal many times and it seems to work great!

Boatlife Life Caulk is a well-known, marine-grade polysulfide sealant that is equivalent to 3M 101. Perfect for any application on your boat (bedding compound, plumbing sealant, etc.) It is not silicone. Good tip above about fastener tightening for gasket creation.

I am still trying to understand people's fascination with 3M 5200 et.al. which is more of an industrial strength adhesive than it is a marine sealant. There are a couple of places one may want to use 3M 4000 or 4200, however.

h2o lover - 5/25/2006 1:17 PM

can it be used below the waterline?

Life Calk is designed for below waterline use. In fact it cures in wet or damp areas which makes it perfect for thru-hulls and transom bolts, especially in older boats that may have dampness in the transom wood.