Summer and good weather are finally back. That means boat trips! However, as a safety-conscious boater, it’s still important to inspect your boat before launching it, since you may notice damage, such as a leak.
Do you know which sealant should be used to repair a leak on a boat? Is a silicone adhesive the best choice? Find out in this article!
Silicone is ideal for sealing boat windows and cabins
Silicone would seem at first glance to be a good choice of sealant for leaks that might appear on the hull or deck of a boat. This is because silicone-based sealants have good properties, such as better chemical resistance and higher tensile strength than comparable polyurethane-based products.
However, most silicone sealants are not designed to be applied to boat surfaces below the waterline. The watertightness provided by these types of sealants is actually more suitable for boat joints that are not permanently submerged.
This makes a silicone adhesive such as ADSEAL DWS 4580 SERIES the ideal sealant for boat cabins and windows. This caulking product offers good resistance to ambient temperatures and will not damage over time, making it an excellent choice for changing temperatures at sea.
Properties to look for when choosing a boat sealant
If you notice a water leak on your boat, make sure you choose a waterproofing product that will provide excellent watertightness and added protection for your boat. Otherwise, you risk causing more damage to your boat.
Look for a sealant that provides good flexibility and offers resistance to UV rays as well as resistance to chemical damage. The sealant should not be too adhesive, since it should be easy to remove if necessary.
Considering all these factors, polyurethane-based adhesive sealants are often recommended for boats. They can adhere to many materials and their watertightness is recognized in the transport industry. However, there are also several other adhesive products that meet these standards and could help you repair a leak on your boat.
Find the sealant you need at Adfast
In short, silicone sealants can easily be used to seal boat cabins and windows. However, they are not designed to be effective in total immersion. Polyurethane adhesives are often recommended for this purpose, but other adhesive products that meet the proper requirements can also be used.
If you would like to know more about our various silicone sealants and products for repairing a leak on a boat, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions!
