Seal

Waterproofing and water-resistance are obviously challenges on boats. Not just because they are on the water all time they are being used. Different parts and areas of boats can come into contact because of splashing from waves etc. That’s why having an additional seal creates a more complete connection between moving surfaces, improving countless boat parts. The clearest benefit is water resistance, a rubber seal greatly reduces the amount of water that will travel between open areas and crevices.  

The main benefits of any boat cabin door seal, or any rubber marine seal include:

• Aesthetics – having a seal around a custom door or cabinet door gives it a more professional and finished look.
• Noise Reduction – When there is a high-quality seal in place it can significantly reduce the amount of clanging and clunking you might ordinarily experience without it because it provides a softer surface for doors to rest against.
• Protects Against Damage – following on nicely from the above point, seals can also be used to help prevent unnecessary damage to materials. When doors are slamming or even being closed and pressed shut, it can cause damage, if this is done too hard by accident or if you are on choppy waters and the clatter of the door. Having a seal in place prevents this from happening as it provides a softer surface for the material to press against.

Whether you have existing seals in place or not, there is a multitude of different places on and around a boat where a rubber seal like the T-slot or one of the other products we stock, would be useful.

• Boat doors, hatches, and lids
• Glove boxes and storage units
• Cabinets, access doors, and other moveable components
• Door frames and window frames
• Rub Rails
• Deck seals to protect and insulate wire and cable pass-throughs
• Any area that needs a small profile cushion

Although many people favor adhesive and we often recommend them for other scenarios when doing work on your vessel, in this situation, for seals, t-slot rubber seals are best. The reason being is that any that require adhesive tend to kink far too easily and are therefore not ideal for working into corners and awkwardly shaped pieces. 

Some of the legacy seal options we sell, which are still great for certain situations and applications, suffer easily from this crimping which makes them harder to work with.

The great thing about adhesive seal is how easy it is to use. The peel and stick application process combined with the variety of available shapes and sizes makes it a great upgrade for thousands of boat parts.

At Boat Outfitters, there are two main seals we offer. Both are made of rubber and whereas the bigger, thicker option is best for aluminum frames, the other smaller and slimmer seal is best for working with starboard. This is because of the difference in the size and depth of the groove or extrusion on each of these fixtures.

When shopping seal you will want to find the correct size option. We offer rubber seals by the lineal inch. For the width, we offer a variety of sizes to match the usage style. With a t-slot bulb seal the size of the bulb is sold in Three Sizes - Small (.125" Bulb), Medium (.1875" Bulb), and Large (.25" Bulb), the T-slot is always .187" wide.

 You would simply remove the existing seal and then line up the replacement. If it is being fitted onto a starboard component, like a doorframe, you start by lining it up, pressing one side of the T shape in, and then using a putty knife to push the other part in. 

Replacing the seal is very easy, as our rubber seal has been designed with a t-slot, which makes it easy to slide into place. Adhesive-backed seals are as easy as peel and stick, but they are not as permanent or durable as t-slot options. 

When maintaining or installing windows on a boat, or really any vehicle, the correct window seal is crucial. This makes sure the glass or acrylic window sits in the area correctly, providing a weather-resistant, and long-lasting window.

One key thing to keep in mind, compared to other applications outside of the marine sector, is that there is a huge difference between something that has waterproofing and something that is merely water-resistant.

For example, in many areas of the boat where there are doors, whether it’s cabinetry or access doors that are not sealed tightly like windows and automotive parts. As the doors on these components and areas do not press against the door tightly. Therefore, while it offers waterproofing against splashing from waves and other occurrences on the water, it will not protect against direct sprays or being totally submerged. 

Part of the reason for this is because of the material used. King Starboard and other materials used in marine construction are not as rigid. They cannot withstand too much torque or pressure. 

If there is too much pressure on the different components of doors and access points, to make them more waterproof, you would see the material bowing and buckling. So, to avoid that, the seals are never going to offer full waterproofing. 

 Check out our learn section to make the most of your time on the water!