Freedom 225 Floor Access Panels 2014 boat.

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LoopyO

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Freedom 225
Looks like the caulk is begging to give way on some of my floor panels. The rear access panel caulk seems to be crumbling a bit and I noticed the center access panel caulk is lifting in 2 inch sections , any recommendations for product to use and tips on re caulking the panels ?

Would appreciate. Just spent about 20 hours detailing Loopy O and she looks great for an 11 year old boat.
 
LoopyO said:
Looks like the caulk is begging to give way on some of my floor panels. The rear access panel caulk seems to be crumbling a bit and I noticed the center access panel caulk is lifting in 2 inch sections , any recommendations for product to use and tips on re caulking the panels ?

Would appreciate. Just spent about 20 hours detailing Loopy O and she looks great for an 11 year old boat.
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Can someone help with a few suggestions ?
 
I would be concerned that the caulk is lifting in sections. Does the panel move or flex when stepped on?
If not, then all you need to to caulk with a good brand of almond color silicon based kitchen and bathroom caulk.
 
There's actually tons of threads about this on this site if you want to search.

But, in the end, there really isn't any magic - get all the old stuff out (multiple way to do this) and apply new. Applying caulk in the seam is no different than applying caulk around your bathtub at home. Push it... pull it... use tape... whatever floats your boat :)

I'm sure there are many, many videos online about how to caulk.
 
seasick said:
I would be concerned that the caulk is lifting in sections. Does the panel move or flex when stepped on?
If not, then all you need to to caulk with a good brand of almond color silicon based kitchen and bathroom caulk.
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It’s stable no movement. I notice caulk crumbling when I clean that area with sponge and in another area I noticed the caulk bead lifting in one small two inch run on the other panel. Thanks !
 
LoopyO said:
It’s stable no movement. I notice caulk crumbling when I clean that area with sponge and in another area I noticed the caulk bead lifting in one small two inch run on the other panel. Thanks !
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Honestly I looked before posting but will look again thank you !
 
LoopyO said:
Honestly I looked before posting but will look again thank you !
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They're definitely there - it's a pretty common thing. But sometimes the search tool on forums isn't so good.

But there's nothing really new/special about this. It's kind of a "2+2" thing, you know? Remove, clean, re-caulk. That's pretty much it! :)
 
DennisG01 said:
They're definitely there - it's a pretty common thing. But sometimes the search tool on forums isn't so good.

But there's nothing really new/special about this. It's kind of a "2+2" thing, you know? Remove, clean, re-caulk. That's pretty much it! :)
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Thank you !
 
I have the same need for a 2013 225 Freedom. Does anyone know if there’s a trick or a tool for giving the caulk a nice finished look - concave seam like from the factory?
 
The taping is important. Wet your finger and use it to spread. Do not use alcohol if you are using silicon caulk. The masking tape has to be removed pretty quickly after caulking, a few minutes, maybe 5 or so. If you wait too long, the caulk will stick to the tape and get pulled out. Pull the tape away from the seam at an angle like 45 degrees or so. Do not try to smooth out the caulking after the initial smoothing. That will make a mess.
You don't have to caulk the entire seam at the same time especially if the length of the seam is large.
This may or may not apply in your case; If the depth of the seam is greater than 1/4 inch or so, you should stuff the groove a bit with backer rod ( round foam ) to reduce the thickness of the caulk. If the caulk is too thick (deep) it will tend to separate over time from the sides of the groove.
 
A little side tip... bury some heavy fishing line or something like mason line. Next time you pull the hatch to check the tank, remember which corner you left the two ends in... dig them out and pull - it will slice through caulk.

Speaking of that... when WAS the last time you checked the fuel tank and it's coffin? That's something that should be done every so many years. You want to know about a possible fuel tank leak BEFORE it actually leaks.
 
DennisG01 said:
A little side tip... bury some heavy fishing line or something like mason line. Next time you pull the hatch to check the tank, remember which corner you left the two ends in... dig them out and pull - it will slice through caulk.

Speaking of that... when WAS the last time you checked the fuel tank and it's coffin? That's something that should be done every so many years. You want to know about a possible fuel tank leak BEFORE it actually leaks.
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I would doubt that was ever done. I will put that in the list. It’s to look for corrosion I would imagine or rotted hoses and such ?
 
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