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Deck/hull seal: mildew issues

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 385/388
Forum Description: 385/388 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13154
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:40
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Deck/hull seal: mildew issues
Posted By: JPB
Subject: Deck/hull seal: mildew issues
Date Posted: 28 December 2021 at 14:35
Hello,

The deck/hull and hull/transom seals are all heavily affected by mildew. (see pic below). 
It's pure a cosmetic matter, but I simply don't like the looks of it.  
 
According to Hanse this is a very rare complaint and might be caused by a bad batch from Sika. 

I have seen many Hanse yachts with the same issue and simply cannot believe that this a rare problem. 

This winter we'll remove the old deck/hull kit joint (also hull/transom joint and around life raft stowage area) and replace it with a new fresh seal. 

Does anybody know the best product to be used? 
One of my friends recommended Simson CA kit from Bostik. 





Replies:
Posted By: AndyS
Date Posted: 28 December 2021 at 16:28
It is certainly not rare! On our 385 we have had very good luck with a product called Wet & Forget. It is designed to kill mildew on patios, etc. I keep it on the boat - mixed as directed - in a spray bottle. All you do is spray it on the areas and let it dry. It keeps the hull joints pretty white. It is very safe and works great on other areas that want to get mildewed. Don't know if it will be availabe near you but, since the mildew is only a cosmetic concern, I like using this product rather than re-doing the entire joint. 

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Andy
Moonraker
River Dunes, NC


Posted By: Butcherboy
Date Posted: 28 December 2021 at 21:54
Hi,
Our 385 also has degraded mildew in areas of the caulking, it’s very much a common cosmetic problem our boat was quite bad when we got her at 4yrs old.Used spray bleach and a “Magic Pad” which removed much of the ingrained dirt and mildew.
Plan to replace the caulking with a product called BT1 which has a built in anti mould additive, it has similar properties to silkaflex and I’ve had good results on my last boat but I don’t know if it is available in the Netherlands.

Regards and a Happy New Year 🥳 Andy!


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Andy 385


Posted By: JPB
Date Posted: 24 January 2022 at 09:22
Thank you, Andy!


Posted By: iemand
Date Posted: 24 January 2022 at 19:28
Be careful: BT1 is Silicone based which you normally don't want to see on boats!

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Hanse 312 MJ 2004 - Hanse 370e MJ 2007


Posted By: JPB
Date Posted: 25 January 2022 at 10:57
You are right!
It's not recommendable to use Silicone based sealants. 

Thanks!


Posted By: Rock
Date Posted: 14 March 2025 at 15:08
After I’m not sure how many years, my hull-deck joint is due for a touch up again.
It looks decrepit once again.

I have used various sika products in the past, various MS-55 polymer sealants and what have you.

But all these don’t really provide a long term satisfactory solution.
The sealant becomes wrinkly en mildewy over time.

I know silicone is always said to be a no-no on yachts.
Because of issues when paint/coating needs to be applies later on, fish-eyes etc.
My boat is white, and as far as I’m concerned it will stay white, I can’t think of a reason why I would want to apply paint on the outside.

It does seem to me (from researching) that silicone may actually the sealant with best resistance against UV and Mildew, it will stay nice, white and smooth.

As the hull-deck joint sealant is purely cosmetic, no adhesion required whatsoever, except to the substrate, what would be a hard argument not to use silicone?

has anybody used silicone ?

BR,
peter



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Hanse 400e "M-square2" #0241


Posted By: Fendant
Date Posted: 15 March 2025 at 06:48
Peter,
there are numerous postings about the mildew issues from the years 2012 - 2016.
It is not rare, Hanse claims that it was a bad batch out of the Sika automotive sealant plant, which is a false claim. Purchasing apparently bought from another cheaper vendor.



-------------
Frank


Posted By: Schjell
Date Posted: 16 March 2025 at 08:58
Hi, see the earlier post about this as well.

https://www.myhanse.com/regarding-sikaflex-caulking-along-hull_topic14825.html" rel="nofollow - https://www.myhanse.com/regarding-sikaflex-caulking-along-hull_topic14825.html


-------------
2012 Hanse 385 - Second owner


Posted By: Rock
Date Posted: 16 March 2025 at 15:14
Thanks for the replies, Yeah, I know about the bad sika batches.
And applied new sika, some 8 years ago, and it looks like s#€%t again.
I just don’t think these sealants are as resistant to uv and mildew as their producers claim them to be.
And wondered if silicone could  be the better solution for longer term cosmetic purpose.
I know it’s a luxury problem, but can’t believe the solution is to re-apply new sealant every so many years …


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Hanse 400e "M-square2" #0241


Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 16 March 2025 at 17:15
On a UK sailing forum (YBW) I was recommended geocel for this purpose 

https://www.geocel.co.uk/products/the-works-pro-sealant-adhesive/" rel="nofollow - https://www.geocel.co.uk/products/the-works-pro-sealant-adhesive/

I havent used it yet but my 2019 418 is in need of renewing 


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Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK



Posted By: AndyS
Date Posted: 17 March 2025 at 00:18
Because the blackening of the joint is basically a cosmetic issue, I have been using Wet & Forget for many years with good results. Spraying it on the joint kills the mildew and the black color goes away. It is very safe and non-toxic and does what it claims to do. It is a great product for getting rid of mold and mildew. 

-------------
Andy
Moonraker
River Dunes, NC


Posted By: echoofwight
Date Posted: 17 March 2025 at 09:00
I used geocell on my 2003, 341 and it's held up really well.  I did it about six years ago and it still looks good.  I bought it from Screwfix.

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Steve. Hanse 341 Echo of Wight, . Deep draft and rudder, white hull, Single aft cabin. Raymarine instruments. Raymarine radar. Garmin AIS. Wheel Steering,   Portsmouth.


Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 17 March 2025 at 12:40
That’s good to know! Geocel it is. Any other tips from when you did this job?

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Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK



Posted By: echoofwight
Date Posted: 17 March 2025 at 13:21
Remove as much of the old sealant as you possibly can and make sure its super clean before applying new sealant.  I spent a lot more time preparing than I did actually applying the sealant 

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Steve. Hanse 341 Echo of Wight, . Deep draft and rudder, white hull, Single aft cabin. Raymarine instruments. Raymarine radar. Garmin AIS. Wheel Steering,   Portsmouth.



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