Sailing Zephyr IV · video

What this video covers

Dave tests a Chinese-sourced synthetic rubber sealing strip from eBay as a replacement for caulking compound in the open channels of EVA foam fake teak decking on Zephyr IV's bridge deck between the cockpit and companionway.1:14 The channels measure 5mm wide by 3mm deep; the strip he found is slightly under 5mm, making it a marginal fit.1:21 He bonds it using Stormshore black adhesive, masking the channel edges first to contain squeeze-out, then holds the strip down with sellotape while the glue cures overnight.4:17 The Stormshore adhesive grips well — the cured strip holds enough to lift the entire MDF test assembly — but the strip's narrowness leaves visible gaps along the channel sides.4:50 The concept is sound; the limiting factor is sourcing rubber strip closer to 6mm wide.4:53 Dave plans to order 10mm strip and stretch it into the channel as a next attempt.5:29 The previous fix, a caulking compound, had broken down and gone sticky, requiring a full redo, which motivated this search for a more durable solution.0:46

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