3M 4200 VS SILICONE

I'm at the point of sealing every thing back up. Hulls are clean mast is being cleaned this week. Just wondering if there is a advantage of silicone over 3m-4200? Before I pop the cans.


Todd

Silicone is not as sticky and will not last. I am not failure with 4200, but 5200 is very aggressive and will bond tightly. We use it inside of masts etc. I would suggest a resin bead along the glue seam as we do with current production. One advantage is that it seeps into the voids. Flip the boat over and pour resin along the seam. Surface tension can cause it to bead along the edge if you are careful not to over do it.

The pylons, plugs, anchor pins, gudgeons, mast fittings all can be sealer with something better than silicone.

PS: When using 5200... I have found it sticks to clothes REALLY well.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I use 5200 as well, and Matt is right, it sticks to everything. Very messy, but works like a charm. Plus you can get it in white to match the hulls, and black to match the mast.

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Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

3m States that 4200 is half as strong as 5200 and is removeable.

Todd

5200 is very difficult to remove and is best used for things that are not going to be removed or need to be serviced again. On my boats I use 4200 above the water line (rebeading fittings,etc.) and 5200 below seacocks etc. Never had a use for 5200 on a Hobie Cat.