3M 4200 or 5200 sealant for mounting transducer board to aluminum boat?

[Netbender]

Good Day, which 3m adhesive sealant works best for mounting a transducer board to aluminum? All the specs on the 3m web site say fiberglass.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Here's to bending your net! [emoji481]

[Tyee II]

I would say 4200 because it is less permanent. 5200 is permanent if that's what you're looking for. 

[Netbender]

Just do not see aluminum listed on either on the 3m spec sheets.


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[Shellback]

Are you using it as a sealant, or an adhesive?  I've always used 5200 as a sealant when mounting the boards, but never depended on it as an adhesive. I just put a bead around the perimeter of the board and a dab at each screw hole. Never had a problem.

[Netbender]

As a sealant. Using two screws to secure. I have one transducer that was mounted with three screws and 5200 around the threads in aluminum. Will I be able to get those screws out?


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[Shellback]

Yes, just clean off the old stuff with a razor blade. If there are rivet heads where you are mounting the board, drill a shallow relief hole so the board mounts flush. Same with the old ducer screws. Put them back in the hole with 5200 and drill a relief hole for the screw heads. 

[Netbender]

Was wondering about getting the screws out in order to get the old transducer off.


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[Shellback]

You should have no problem removing the old screws    Where are you in S.E. PA?

Edited April 11, 2018 by Shellback

[Netbender]

Yes, will modify the board to allow the rivet heads and old screw heads. Thanks!


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[Netbender]

My concern is breaking the heads on the screws off. Also if any 5200 got on the plastic transducer Mount.


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[Netbender]

Upper Montgomery County


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[Shellback]

You won't have any problems! I'd clean the hull and board with alcohol before applying the sealant

 

[Netbender]

Shellback, is there a minimum temperature to apply? I am hoping to mount the plate tomorrow


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[Shellback]

With the rising temps, I think you will be fine. Keep in mind, that it will take several days to set up properly. 

[Netbender]

Thanks for your help!


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[L&M]

From personal experience 4200 or life caulk would be my recommendations. If you have ever tried to get anything apart after using 5200 you would know why.

[Netbender]

4200 it is...

[jigstick]

If you put 5200 on your screw heads god bless you if you ever decide to replace that board.  That **** is no joke.  Ive used it on my garboard drain and below the waterline petcocks.  its permanent and is a **** to cut with a knife too.

[Netbender]

My current transducer has three screws with 5200 on the threads into aluminum. Will they come out? I am in need of adding one new transducer for my new x4. I was going to pull my current one and mount the stern saver with 4200. Now I am not sure if the screws with 5200 will come out??

 

Shellback supports it, others do not.

 

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[Shellback]

I've never had a problem removing a screw with 5200 around it. I'm sure it would be big trouble trying to remove a garboard drain fitting with 5200 on an inch of threads. But I was talking about some sealant around the thread screw holes mounting the board to an aluminum hull. It's not like you are coating a threaded screw or bolt that's passing through a threaded hole 1 inch deep. Here's my original post.

"Are you using it as a sealant, or an adhesive?  I've always used 5200 as a sealant when mounting the boards, but never depended on it as an adhesive. I just put a bead around the perimeter of the board and a dab at each screw hole. Never had a problem."

[jigstick]

I thought you meant you were going to coat the heads of the screws with 5200.  ie cover the flat head or philips head slots. That would be a mistake if you ask me. 

 

Coating the threads before screwing the fastener in is a different story. I never tried to back one out that was coated in 5200. I’d guess there would be a good chance of snapping the fastener. Then you’re in a real mess. 

 

On my fiberglass boat i overdrilled a pilot hole bigger than my fasteners. Then injected the hole with epoxy and let it set. Once the epoxy core set up nice and hard I drilled a pilot hole appropriatly sized for my screws into the cured epoxy. Then tightened the screws down. 

[Shellback]

The Op is talking about fastening the board to his aluminum hull. The boards are usually fastened with sheet metal screws and they only pass through probably .100 thick aluminum. Can't imagine the 5200 preventing the screw from coming out. A threaded screw into a threaded hole is a whole different ballgame. 

[Tyee II]

When I pulled the screws for my P66 out to mount my transom saver board, the 3 screws all broke and luckily I had enough sticking out to grab with vice grips and remove completely. They all had caulk all over the threads which I am assuming was 5200.

[Netbender]

Tyee, exactly my concern, 100%. As SS is not that strong to start with, 5200 on the threads, screw head breaking was what I pictured. They did come out with vice grips though.


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[jigstick]

That’s what I was getting at. 5200 is no joke.