Hauled out after the winter season in the Caribbean earlier this week and for the second year running my saildrive rubber gator or diaphragm has detached itself from the hull.
Last season it was completely gone, this year it is hanging on by one side.
I talked with my yard maintenance guys and they are planning on re-glueing this but I wonder if anyone has any recommendations on how to do a more permanent fix on this. Specific adhesive recommendations perhaps?
I heard that some people have made a GRP rigid moulded cover and then semi-permanently bonded this to the hull. Anyone know about thsi approach? Pros and Cons?
Any experiences appreciated.
Thanks
Hi
Same happened to me so after re-glueing i put some self tapped through the rubber with large washers on it is safe to do as there is a large flange (sholder). It's been on for two seasons.
Will take photo later and list.
Good luck.
Mick
Mine came off the first season after launching the boat from new. I attached the replacement with Hypalon which is used to repair the tubes of inflatables. It is still in place 11 years later ;D :kewl
Adhesive sealant (Sikaflex 291i or equivalent), after sanding both hull and rubber and rubbing clean with acetone. The trick is to squeeze out the sealant and then make a nice bevel, so the flowing water can't get in there to pry it off. I've also partially coppercoated over it, but doubt that makes a big difference.
Ours is holding strong and we've bashed the boat through some rough seas the last year.
(https://sdfjkl.org/blog/2018-02-28-coppercoat-II-application-day/saildrive.jpg)
There you go
Many thanks everyone.
Good options and happy to see you have overcome the annual cycle of glue/reglue
Hopefully I can join you in gator longevity now !
Safe sailing everyone
Sikaflex 291i worked for me.