Marine Sealants, Boat Caulking and Mastics: Which Do I Use? | BoatUS

Do you know the difference between polyurethane and polysulfide sealants, caulks, and mastics? BoatUS Magazine's Mark Corke demystifies these common marine sealants you might use on your boat. Polyurethane adhesives are for attaching things you don't want to come apart, for example attaching the keel on a sailboat. 3M 5200 is a great example. On the other hand, polysulfide bedding compounds are great for sealing things you might want to take apart later, like for attaching a cleat to the deck. Polysulfides also often adhere underwater. Most bedding compounds and adhesives come in cartridges, but some come in cans or on rolls. Dolfinite is a favorite because it comes in a can. I can remove as much as I need, then seal it back up. It lasts for years. Butyl tape comes on a roll. Just snap off what you need and knead it with your fingers into the shape you want. It's perfect for using under deck fittings. Learn more about marine sealants here: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2013/april/boat-sealants 🚩Enjoy this video? Become a BoatUS Member today to get 25+ valuable benefits including a subscription to award-winning BoatUS Magazine! https://boat.us/e/sy-join 🚩Visit the BoatUS Magazine website: https://www.boatus.com/Expert-Advice. BoatUS is the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters with more than half a million Members. We provide a diverse offering of services including marine insurance, on-the-water towing provided by TowBoatUS, the nation’s largest fleet, plus boat financing, graphics and lettering, representation for boaters on Capitol Hill, the award-winning BoatUS Magazine and much more. For more than 50 years, BoatUS has made boating safer, more affordable and more accessible. 🚩Download the FREE BoatUS App today to access NOAA marine weather, tides, exclusive Member discounts, and your BoatUS account. Assistance on the water has never been easier with TowBoatUS CONNECT in the BoatUS App — the fastest way to get a tow! https://boat.us/sy-app 🚩Connect with us: https://Facebook.com/BoatUS https://Twitter.com/BoatUS https://Instagram.com/BoatUS https://Pinterest.com/BoatUS https://linkedin.com/company/boatus #marineadhesive #marinesealant #marinecaulk #marinepolysulfide #marinepolyurethane