13' Scamp caulking around metal band

[DavidS]

recently bought a 1992 13' scamp that had caulking above the metal middle band. I removed the silicone is it necessary to replace the silicone in this area?

[Donna D.]

The two halves of the shell are fiberglassed together after removal from the molds. I've only heard of one individual who had a problem with a leak at the belly band, on a Scamp. So, I think the caulk is purely used for aesthetic purposes. I know on my Scamp there's a visible gap in one area between the belly band and the body. By neatly applying caulk on the top, that area would be totally unnoticeable.

Your mileage may vary.

[DavidS]

The two halves of the shell are fiberglassed together after removal from the molds. I've only heard of one individual who had a problem with a leak at the belly band, on a Scamp. So, I think the caulk is purely used for aesthetic purposes. I know on my Scamp there's a visible gap in one area between the belly band and the body. By neatly applying caulk on the top, that area would be totally unnoticeable.

Your mileage may vary.

There was a large bead of silicone around the belly band that was pain to remove. Any suggestions about removing silicone? There's alot of small pieces I still need to get,very time consuming.

Thanks Donna

[Donna D.]

This is where sweat equity comes into play! Maybe someone who's used a chemical that worked can reply, but I've found a PLASTIC knife, my two thumbnails and a plexiglass ice scraper to be the most effective tools. None of the three will damage the gelcoat... just don't gouge it out. And you may need to be careful close and on the aluminum belly band. Just don't use metal tools, like razor knives, putty knives, etc. Those will gouge the gel coat and pretty easily.

Good luck!

[KevinScamps]

Now you know two people who have leaks at the belly band of a scamp. There was a hole in the fiberglass behind the belly band. Water leaked through either the gap between the two layers or through a rivet hole, into the channel made where the fiberglass from the top and bottom shells of fiberglass spread outwards from the inside fiberglass which was used to attach them, and through the hole, down the wall, onto my floor, where the wood has swelled some.

My plan is to remove the belly band, remove all the silicone someone used to try and seal it, fill the rivet holes and gap between the two halves with epoxy and then use a sealant/epoxy to glue the band back on for decoration.

Originally Posted by Donna D.

The two halves of the shell are fiberglassed together after removal from the molds. I've only heard of one individual who had a problem with a leak at the belly band, on a Scamp. So, I think the caulk is purely used for aesthetic purposes. I know on my Scamp there's a visible gap in one area between the belly band and the body. By neatly applying caulk on the top, that area would be totally unnoticeable.

Your mileage may vary.