How to minimize water intrusion.

[Seafarer_Bob]

Given all the issues I hear about older Grady's I'm wondering what if anything people are doing to minimize water intrusion. I've been doing some work on my 2005 Seafarer 228 and it does not appear Grady applied any sealant to the various hull and deck penetrations when the boat was originally fitted and the previous owner left a bunch of holes unsealed inside the transom. My hull surveyed dry but I'd like to do whatever I can to extend the life of the boat and preserve value.
An example from this weekend, I replaced the cockpit lights with LED bulbs and the cutout appears to be bare wood and water can get to it from the inside and outside through the flimsy gaskets with no sealant.

I'm thinking I can sand / grind the surface clean and at least dab some clear epoxy around that raw edge. I'm sure they sealed anything below the waterline but now I'm wondering about all the transom penetrations for rigging, tabs etc, rod holders, windlass, etc.

 

[Sparkdog118]

Epoxy is not a bad idea. Maybe a small silicone bead around the light would help. Ge makes great silicone. The white matches Grady color well. I’d run a small bead around and spray it with dawn and water to smooth it out and wipe off excess. I can post the details on how to make the silicone look factory if you are interested.

 

[Seafarer_Bob]

I'm familiar with and like GE silicone for this kind of application and normally I'd just clean the excess with some sort of solvent (acetone) but I'd be interested to see what you do with dawn and water.

 

[Sparkdog118]

I apply a bead on a dry seem. Then I spray it generously with a dawn water mix. Take my finger and wipe off the excess keeping my finger wet with soapy water. Takes a little practice, but if you don’t get it the first time, just wipe it out with a rag and start over. I just did a window. I have pics here.

 

[Sparkdog118]

This is a pic I took after I did my floor hatch a few days before. Hard to see the silicone since the deck is already dirty. Looks new when I clean the deck.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I apply a bead on a dry seem. Then I spray it generously with a dawn water mix. Take my finger and wipe off the excess keeping my finger wet with soapy water. Takes a little practice, but if you don’t get it the first time, just wipe it out with a rag and start over. I just did a window. I have pics here.

That work with 4200/5200 as well?

 

[Bdsp1234]

Hey guys , as for cleaning the silicone up, Sparkdog and I use the same concept. I use aerosol window cleaner. After you run the bead, spray the whole beaded area with the aerosol windex then wipe. The silicone will not stick to the treated surface. The finished product is amazing. I learned this will redoing the bathroom vanity

 

[Sparkdog118]

That work with 4200/5200 as well?

I use rubbing alcohol with 4200 and 5200 instead of soapy water. Takes a little more practice with 5200 n 4200, but it comes out great once you get the technique down. Always have a wet finger and roll your finger while smoothing it out. Practice with silicone first since it takes the same technique.

 

[gw204]

Line the area to be sealed with painters tape first. Then apply you sealant and smooth once. Pull the tape and smooth again. Perfect lines every time.