Alternatives to bedding compound?

[mccloud]

Just curious, but has anyone tried a material like foamed neoprene as an alternate to bedding compound beneath the keel? Other materials? Easy to use and less messy than bedding compound? Looking for new ideas. Tom McCloud

 

[Steve Ambrose]

3M 5200 will certainly stick and seal a keel but don't use too much, the squeeze-out is a ***** to clean up. High humidity will help it cure but it may take a week to fully harden.

 

[mccloud]

Hi Steve, I'm working on an all-wood boat onto which the keel was originally glued. To do repair along the keel line it was necessary to cut off the keel. When I put a replacement keel on this canoe I want to use something less permanent that glue. I was wondering whether anyone had already tried a closed cell foam, rubber - like the stuff used under shower pans, double sided carpet tape, etc., and how it had worked for them. Tom McCloud

 

[Steve Ambrose]

For an all-wood boat I'd stick with bedding compound (assuming you're also screwing the keel on). It has good holding power, seals well, and you can still remove the keel without damage. I don't have any experience with the other materials you're considering.