Bedding New Thru Hull

firecadet613

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2007
5,253
Indiana
Boat Info
SOLD - 2007 Four Winns V358
Engines
Twin VP 5.7GXi V-Drive / ZF63s
I'm about to install a new, above the water line thru hull so my galley sink can drain directly overboard. I use LifeCalk to bed screws, etc, but am torn. Is it better to use LifeCalk or 4200 to bed this new thru hull and why would you choose one over the other.
 
Just did this using a 1-1/2” Groco thru hull and bedded it with 5200. May be overkill but I wanted the best bond.
 
IMG_4230.JPG
Tiara uses 4200 above the water line so they can be removed easily. Glad they did because I replaced them at ten years.
 
Lifeseal may be an option but lifecaulk should not be. You need a sealant and not a caulking. After that it’s brand preference but I don’t know why you would want to try another product when 4200 is proven.
 
4200. Hand tighten until it sets up. Come back in a few hrs and tighten down. Otherwise you'll squeeze it all out.
 
IMG_4230.JPG
IMG_0955.JPG
IMG_0956.JPG
You might want to fill the edges with West Systems epoxy and spray the fitting with Imron paint before the install. Things hold up better this way.
 
I don't install thru hull's to often so I appreciate the advice.

4200 it is, after I seal up the edges of the opening with West Systems.

Thanks guys!
 
Personally, I prefer the Boat Life products, but all three of the items mentioned - LifeCaulk, LifeSeal and 4200 are tried and true sealants. LC and 4200 are similar in terms of strength, with LC being UV resistant - which really doesn't matter much in this case... nor does the "strength" issue since this job is not about strength. But again, all three are perfectly fine choices. As mentioned, it certainly can't hurt to seal the edges and paint (if using plastic, of course).
 
Mine has all SS thru hulls except the AC one which was old and brittle and the surveyor actually pointed it out at survey that it looked brittle so I replaced it with a SS one this spring. I used 4200. I cleaned both the thru hull and the contact area on the boat with acetone and applied a very small bead of 4200 around the hole and inside the hole then tightened it down. Mine is a few inches above the waterline so probably not real crucial to seal tight but I'd rather it not leak at all.
 
IMG_4230.JPG
.............Mine is a few inches above the waterline so probably not real crucial to seal tight but I'd rather it not leak at all.
Perhaps with a boat your size, sealing is not crucial. However, if you have a cored hull as many boats do, it must be sealed to avoid rot. Best practice is seal every thru hull against water intrusion. We do not know what size vessel the OP has.
 
IMG_4230.JPG
IMG_0952.JPG
IMG_1154.JPG
Don't you think it depends on the boat? OP doesn't indicate what he has. We could have done stainless on ours just as easily, but did not want to call attention to the holes in the side our boat. The Imron protects against UV failure so for us it was a good choice. Bronze is probably the most durable choice.
 
Boat is a 37' and the sides are cored. Sealed the core with West Systems 105/206 and let it cure. Then LifeCalk to bed as my 4200 unopened tube was cured in the tube. It's easy enough to access, I can rebed if needed.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20190817-205739_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20190817-205739_Gallery.jpg
    221.9 KB · Views: 60

Forum statistics

Threads
112,944
Messages
1,422,723
Members
60,927
Latest member
Jaguar65
Back
Top