Deteriorating caulking...

[tiger79]

The black caulking surrounding the panels in my cockpit seats is deteriorating.  If I run my finger over it, I get a black finger.  I'm getting black marks on clothing.  And when I wash the boat, the sponge goes black when wiped over the caulking.  It's only the caulking around the perimeter of the panels; the stripey stuff is fine.  Any thoughts? 

[Moodymike]

This item is covered under Teak deck sealing a few months ago.

[geoff]

On my 40 ocean 2001 I painted on a couple of coats of teak oil on the offending caulking and it is still ok after a couple of years .Geoff

[Boatname]

This item is covered under Teak deck sealing a few months ago.

I have the same problem. I have just searched Teak and Sealing and only get your post.

Can you be more specific?

[Moodymike]

Read teak deck sealing Oct 20th 2017

[Boatname]

Thanks for that, so much for the Search facility 

[Krill]

hey boatname

i think this is the thread they are referring to

http://bavaria.sdfjkl.org/forum/index.php/topic,1969.msg12232.html#msg12232

[Moodymike]

Thanks for that, not easy to do links on the iPad. Perhaps I will not try and help again.  This site is one of the best.

[tiger79]

So it seems that I'll need to remove the existing caulking and replace with new caulking.  Any tips for the easiest way of removing the existing stuff?

[Kibo]

I have the same problem but I'm gong to try the teak oil "fix" mentioned above first.

[Joe]

I have recently done that with a sharp chisel. No big job.

[Moodymike]

This link covers teak caulking

http://bavaria.sdfjkl.org/forum/index.php/topic,1969.msg12244.html#msg12244

[buttonfreebie]

The easiest way to remove large amounts of caulking is to use a Fein Multimaster.There are 3 different width special tools .It is also an excellent multi purpose piece of kit.

[tiger79]

The easiest way to remove large amounts of caulking is to use a Fein Multimaster.There are 3 different width special tools .It is also an excellent multi purpose piece of kit.

This isn't ordinary straight line caulking, it's the stuff which surrounds the whole panel, between the inset seat panel and the surrounding white fibreglass.

[Yngmar]

The edge caulking is a shitty job and I hated it so much I have only done some areas on my boat so far.

I've cut along the caulking/teak edge with a stanley knife, then slid a putty knife along the caulk/gelcoat edge trying not to scratch the gelcoat too much. Then you can pry off a length.

Clean up, mask both edges, goop in new caulking (pick a more UV resistant one than Bavaria did) and flatten the goop with your finger. Remove masking tape immediately, before caulk cures. Keep some builders "wonder wipes" ready for if (haha, when) you make a mess, and a big bin and lots of paper towels. Also a choice selection of curses! 

Good luck!

[tiger79]

The edge caulking is a shitty job and I hated it so much I have only done some areas on my boat so far.

I've cut along the caulking/teak edge with a stanley knife, then slid a putty knife along the caulk/gelcoat edge trying not to scratch the gelcoat too much. Then you can pry off a length.

Clean up, mask both edges, goop in new caulking (pick a more UV resistant one than Bavaria did) and flatten the goop with your finger. Remove masking tape immediately, before caulk cures. Keep some builders "wonder wipes" ready for if (haha, when) you make a mess, and a big bin and lots of paper towels. Also a choice selection of curses! 

Good luck!

Thanks, Yngmar, that's exactly what I thought I'd be facing!  When I've done caulking before, I've always found that a big cardboard box with a brick in the bottom was a good disposal point for paper towels, masking tape, etc.

[Symphony]

The biggest problem I found was controlling the masking tape as it was removed, particularly if it had excess goop on it. It takes on a life of its own especially if there is any wind. Like putting a snake back in a basket trying to get it all into the cardboard box. Trade off between having long lengths to get a clean edge and short lengths to make it easier to handle.

[Sen Mora]

I have used TDS (Teakdecking systems) caulking and reefing hook, works pretty good. But fully agree that it is one of the messiest jobs ever.

[Spirit of Mary]

I have done my complete teak deck with TDS. Works well without the primer and tape at the bottom of the groove like with the Sika. And much better UV resistant. Still in excellent condition after 5 years in Mediterranean conditions.