Purpose of silicone & adhesives in the marine and boat sector
Silicones and adhesives are used in the marine and boat sector to securely seal joints, joints and transitions, create material connections and carry out structural repairs. They provide protection against water and moisture ingress, prevent corrosion and support durable bonds even under mechanical stress.
Typical products: Silicones, adhesives & sealants
This category includes, among others:
-
Marine silicones: neutral or neutral condensing silicone sealants for joints, windows, penetrations
-
Construction & structural adhesives: solvent-based adhesives for strong material bonds
-
Contact and assembly adhesives: e.g. for cladding, rubber or plastic parts
-
Sealing compounds & sealants: for the permanent sealing of passages, window and edge areas
-
Technical adhesive tapes or pastes: for fixing or repairing, depending on the application
These products are specially designed for maritime use.
Properties: Water resistance, adhesion & flexibility
Marine silicones and adhesives must offer the following properties:
-
Water and moisture resistance: protection against water ingress
-
Corrosion protection: less damage to adjacent materials
-
Elasticity & movement compensation: adaptation to vibrations or temperature changes
-
Adhesion to various substrates: Metal, plastic, wood, GRP
-
UV resistance: protection against the effects of sunlight
These features ensure permanent sealing and stability in maritime applications.
Selection criteria: Material, substrate & application
When selecting suitable silicones & adhesives, the following should be taken into account:
-
Substrate material: GRP, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, plastic
-
Application location: Hull joint, window joint, penetrations, deck area
-
Stress: Permanent load, movement, thermal cycles
-
Chemical resistance: e.g. against contact with fuel or cleaning agents
Only coordinated products deliver the desired function without adhesion or curing problems.
Application & processing instructions
The following apply during application:
-
Surface preparation: clean, dry and free of grease
-
Application: depending on the product, with a cartridge gun, spatula or brush
-
Curing time: adhere to the manufacturer's instructions
-
Layer thickness & application: according to technical specifications
Careful application ensures the function and service life of the seal or bond.
Maintenance & service life
Even high-quality silicones and adhesives are subject to ageing processes. Maintenance instructions include:
-
Visual inspection for cracks, detachment or porosity
-
Tightening or repairing expansion joints
-
Protection from direct sunlight where possible
Regular inspection increases service life and functional reliability.
Frequent areas of application in boat building & repair
Marine silicone & adhesives are used for
-
Sealing window and pane openings
-
Sealing and connection joints in the superstructure
-
Fastening rubber, plastic or metal elements
-
Repairing cracks, impacts or mechanically stressed areas
-
Protection of rivet, screw or grommet areas
These applications benefit from lasting elasticity and water resistance.
