PU Leaking

[genevamill]

I have a 2001 Westlake that is leaking in both the front and back.  While the trailer is up, water appears to seep through between the aluminum seal that attaches to the fiberglass shell near each of the corners.  Water will run under the beds and run down the interior walls into the front dining seat and the electric compartment and of course all over the floor.  I have the same problem on the back side.  

My question is what type of caulk should I use to seal the metal plate to the fiberglass shell?  I was thinking of either a 100% clear silicon or a marine caulk (3M 5200). I don't want to do anything to damage the fiberglass if I have to remove the aluminum seal some day to repair canvas.  Wonder what the manufacturer used?

Any suggestions?

genevamill

[mike4947]

Actually you don't want to use what the manufacturers use. They mainly use butyl tape caulk because it's cheap, easy to use, and in most cases lasts longer than the warranty period.

WHile RTV silicone used to be the prefered caulk, in the last several years urathanes and poly sulfide caulks has surpassed them.
Myself I prefer the urathane caulks, and a note of warning 3M 5200 caulks are considered "permanent" by the boat folks. They use it to bed in deck componenents and while you can remove it, you can easily damage any bendable part attached to caulked with it. Years ago they made 2 versions colored yellow and black....racers used to call them yellow death and black death.