Bowsprit bedding compound

  • October 28, 2012 3:41 PM
    Message # 1116144
    Just wondering what to use to bed the bowsprit and all the fittings.  I have used Dolfinite on this type of installation in the past.  I plan on using penetrating epoxy to seal the wood. I have a solid length of douglas fir for the new one.

    thanks,

    Rich


  • October 28, 2012 6:27 PM
    Reply # 1116250 on 1116144
    Anonymous

    Hi Rich,

    I just finished mounting my bowsprit. I used butyl tape for it and all the fittings. That is what I will use for all my fittings as I refit Nellie Jo.

    It sounds like you are doing the same thing I did. I put two coats of penetrating epoxy on my douglas fir bowsprit. Then several coats of primer and several coats of paint. I have more info about it on my blog.

     

  • October 29, 2012 5:43 AM
    Reply # 1116568 on 1116144
    I too recently replaced my bowsprit.  Ditto on the two coats of West Systems Epoxy followed with multiple coats of a white 2 part polyurethane finish.

    I also used butyl rubber tape to bed all the hardware that were 'compressed' (platform, staysail stay 'eye', staysail tang, etc.). 

    For everything else that couldn't be compressed (end cap, etc.) I used SikaFlex.

    I've given up on 5200, BoatLife, etc. for bedding hardware. It just doesn't last. I will use Butyl from here on out where ever/when ever possible.

    If you decide to use Butyl rubber make sure you are using the right kind.  Someone gave me their roll of butyl rubber tape that was purchased at an R/V store.  I thought it was all nice and mallable and was about to use it when another friend gave me a gift of 'marine' butyl rubber tape for helping him out.  The difference was like night & day.

    http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

    http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/butyl_tape

    Last modified: October 29, 2012 7:14 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)