Bedding Compount

[Tom Wiarda]

I went to the marine supply store looking for bedding compound for my canvassing job. They said they had not carried Dolfinite bedding compound for a long time. They said what is used now is a 3M product Fast Cure 4200 Marine Sealant. Is this a good product to use for sealing canvas stem seams and installing the keel and stem band? Thanks for your advise.

 

[Dan Miller]

I have never used 4200, so can't comment on its use for this. Dolfinite and Interlux Boatyard Bedding Compound are two products I use regularly, and are available from WestMarine, Jamestown Distributors and/or Hamilton Marine. All three do mail order.

 

[Tom Wiarda]

Thanks. It was actually the local West Marine store that told me they do not sell the bedding compound. I may need to order it.

 

[Todd Bradshaw]

I have yet to find a single "goo-in-a-tube" that can seal and last as well as real bedding compound - despite the claims made on the tubes' labels. I'm not sure why, but they seem to have a useful life of maybe two or three years before their performance and appearance start to get questionable. Real bedding compound isn't flawless, either and sometimes dries out as it ages, but I've rebuilt a few old boats where the bedding compound seemed to be the only thing left on the entire boat that wasn't trashed.

P.S. Don't believe everything the sales people at West Marine tell you. There are some good ones and some who are pretty clueless.

 

[Canoez]

Thanks. It was actually the local West Marine store that told me they do not sell the bedding compound. I may need to order it.

They don't? West Marine

If not, you can try Hamilton Marine or Jamestown Distributors among many others.

 

[thompsonboatboy]

3M 4200 and 3M 5200 are really adhesives. 4200 has a quicker cure time than 5200 - or is it the other way around. If you ever want to get something apart that's been bonded with this stuff, it is nearly impossible. You likely destroy the wood.

Andreas

 

[Tom Wiarda]

Thanks for all the advice. After checking with all the marine supply stores in the area I have ordered some from Jamestown Supply. Tom