Under the waterline steel filler

JSP · 01 January 2009, 10:23

Just found a crack in the stainless steel Keel guard. I know epoxy filler will fill this and bond to the steel (according to what it says on the tin). But being white it wont look to good.
Any ideas what else I could use? It's non structural so just needs sealing.

chewy · 01 January 2009, 10:49

These any use?

http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/CFS...gm_Tins_2.html

If not these have a few colours too:

http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.u...fb33e1becbbff5

hobbit555 · 01 January 2009, 14:28

http://www.devcon.com/

try this

Hightower · 01 January 2009, 21:38

What do you mean "a crack" is it a gap between two pieces of SS or a physical crack, where it's hit something?

If it's a physical crack then pop it down the welders to get it TIGged up. Will only cost you a couple of quid (probably cheaper than a tin of epoxy) and shouldn't take but a few moments.

If it's a join then any type of marine sealer/epoxy will do, you can get most colours these days or even use clear stuff.

JSP · 01 January 2009, 21:46

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
Hightower,
it's just a small crack due to hitting something. Only very small crack and the steel is very thin. Just want to seal to keep the water out really. For an easy option I don't s'pose sikaflex would do it? or is it no good for under water? Hope so as I would like to add a seal around where it joins onto the hull too.

Hightower · 01 January 2009, 22:08

Is the stainless likely to flex? If so the Epoxy might be no good as it can get brittle as it hardens

JSP · 01 January 2009, 22:18

Yeah very easily flexes Andy. Could do with a flexible sealant really.

Chris · 02 January 2009, 16:23

Use Sikaflex it sticks like sh1t to a blanket and will totally seal most cracks.

Hightower · 02 January 2009, 17:13

Then either Sikaflex it as already stated of go the weld route. I'm positive that the weld route will be a more permenant repair that won't cost much at all. Certainly no more expensive than a tube of Sikaflex.

codprawn · 02 January 2009, 17:34

Everyone goes on about sikaflex but which one - it is a brand name - there seem to be loads of different ones!!!

Steve Hackett · 02 January 2009, 18:01

These are the marine ones. http://www.sikaindustry.com/ind/ipd-...a-products.htm

codprawn · 02 January 2009, 18:13

Still quite a few to chose from!!!

Looks like 291 or 292 - is there much difference?

JSP · 02 January 2009, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Still quite a few to chose from!!!

Looks like 291 or 292 - is there much difference?

Cheers Cod, that was my next question.

It really isn't worth welding, plus it's that thin it would probably blow holes through it rather than weld. Unless you started throwing serious pigeon poo weld at it. Amazing what you find when pished up at 2 in the morning and decided to have a lie down under your RIB for a gander.
Sikaflex is the route to go down then as I wont to re seal around the edge of the guard to the hull anyway.
Just need to know which one

And if Sikaflex is ok for constant under water life.

Steve Hackett · 03 January 2009, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Still quite a few to chose from!!!

Looks like 291 or 292 - is there much difference?

About 2 quid

I think either would do what JSP wants to do but the 292 is sold for skin fittings so permanently under water.