Cockpit floor sealer

[Srcika300]

I have a 2004 Marlin 300 and I pulled up the cockpit sole to check the tanks connections and hoses. All looked great everything was extremely dry. I cleaned off all the old sealant from around both surfaces of the sole and floor and now I am ready to put it back down. Grady white says to use boatlife almond or beige (neither of which I can find). What is the best sealant for this application. I can tell you after 15 years the sealant I removed was in remarkable shape. Still flexible and really difficult to remove.

 

[Ky Grady]

I've had good luck with GE Silicone II in Almond. Available at Lowe's. Just did mine a few weeks ago after fuel tank replacement and all new lines. I will also use painters tape around the perimeter for a cleaner joint. Smooth caulk with finger and pull tape before it starts setting up. Clean edges.

 

[Legend]

This is what the GW dealer uses and sells. Not sure it it is available at all dealer but you can find it on Amazon
The color is almond
View media item 67

 

[el jefe]

Don't forget to take a small cup filled with water and a few splashes of dawn. Wet your finger and then smooth out caulk lines.

 

[ocnslr]

I've had good luck with GE Silicone II in Almond. Available at Lowe's. Just did mine a few weeks ago after fuel tank replacement and all new lines. I will also use painters tape around the perimeter for a cleaner joint. Smooth caulk with finger and pull tape before it starts setting up. Clean edges.

THIS ^^^^

 

[SkunkBoat]

GE Silicone II they have an almond color ...or white....or clear....Home Depot/Lowes.....don't overthink it.

Don't wait 15 years to get in there again...

 

[DennisG01]

If you don't plan on opening it up for another 15 years, then definitely go with a superior sealant like the BoatLife products. But if you're going to start opening it up every few years to check on things, then the GE stuff is MORE than adequate for the job and less expensive. I'm a huge fan of the Boatlife stuff (been using for at least 15 years on MANY project and our shop uses it almost exclusively), but the GE stuff will be just fine for this application.

 

[Fishtales]

I'd go with the GE Silicone II almond. Does the job, cuts out easy and you'll be doing that every winterization for the aft deck.

 

[Bdsp1234]

There is a reason GW recommends Boatlife. It is a superior products.

 

[Fishtales]

maybe, but you are in and out of the rear hatch every season to winterize, so it really doesn't matter. you have to cut the stuff out every year.

 

[Srcika300]

Thanks for the replies. I have the GE product in hand. I suspect in 5 years I will be back to reinspect the tanks/hoses if not sooner when I repower.

 

[blindmullet]

The GE stuff works just fine. It does dry rather quickly. Clean as you go for a smooth finish and less likely to hold dirt.

 

[Jkrs1234]

Don't forget to take a small cup filled with water and a few splashes of dawn. Wet your finger and then smooth out caulk lines.

 

[Jkrs1234]

How’s the water and dawn used?

 

[el jefe]

After you run your caulk line you use your finger (preferably in a glove) dipped in the water/dawn solution. Smooth out the caulk line.

 

[seasick]

I use the water wet finger for water based sealants and an alcohol wet finger for silicone based sealants

 

[VeroWing]

I've always used 3M 4200. Never an issue, and holds up tremendously.