Swim platform railings, 3M 5200 or 4200?

[CaptT]

I just received my swim platform railings for my C-28 and Bolton did a beautiful job! Now for the instal.....does anyone know what adhesive/sealant is used for the installation of the the railings at the factory? I was thinking of using 3M 5200, for strength, but also thought the 4200 might be best if, and that's a big if, the railings every needed to be removed. I can't imagine why I would ever want to remove them though.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for any help with this.
Terry

 

[GaylesFaerie]

I avoid 5200 if possible because it is strong enough to destroy some surfaces in some cases during removal. I don't think you can go wrong with 4200 with through bolting and you'll perhaps be doing someone a favor in the future. GF

 

[Automaticman865]

on the marine how to site he recommends Sikaflex 291 or a Polysulfide. Also check out his countersinking of the drilled holes. just fueled up and treated the diesel as my CW28 comes out of the water on Monday. It turned 9 this year and the hour meter just hit 800.

Stuart

 

[knotflying]

Butyl tape is my preference for deck hardware.

 

[BB marine]

Any good marine sealant will work fine. We all have our preferences. I use 5200 if I never plan on removing the deck fitting. If I do have to I except the consequences of the removal process. I use Boat life Polysulfide for anything at or below the water line. I would consider the hand rail at or below the water line. The most important part of the installation of anything on the swim platform is make sure everything is sealed well. Top side, bottom side and screws. I would also recommend using backing plates on the bottom instead of washers. The swim platforms are reinforced with wood. There is a thin layer of fiberglass on the underside of the platform and some of the wood is just sealed with a brushed on Gelcoat. In 2017 I installed weaver brackets on the swim platform of my 2016 C26. When I drilled the holes for the 1/4-20 screws water started dripping. The wood was wet, real wet. I used a hair drier to dry the wood where I was going to install the davits and then let it dry for a few days. I made 4" by 6" backing plates out of .250 stainless plate and sealed it well when I installed the davits.

My friend that owned a 2016 C28 replaced his swim platform in 2019 because it was water logged and started to rot. The platform came loose from the transom because the gel coated sealed wood started to fall apart.

Point I'm making is SEAL IT GOOD!!!

 

[CaptT]

Thanks all!
Brian, I didn't realize the platform was reinforced with wood. I will make it a point to remove all fasteners/brackets, etc., check for moisture, dry and rebed everything. I also like the idea of backing plates. Because these are supported by only 9 bolts / railing I was concerned with pull through, a stainless plate makes a lot more sense than a few washers.
Once again.....thank you for your expertise. I continue to learn from others here on Tugnuts!
Terry