saildrive boot keeps coming detached

General maintenance discussion.
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mthurmaier
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:23 pm

saildrive boot keeps coming detached

Post by mthurmaier » Mon Aug 04, 2025 1:39 pm

Hi, I have a 2003 Bavaria 38 Holiday with a Volvo Penta D2-50 and sail drive. When I bought the boat, the "boot" around the sail drive was adhered to the bottom of the boat and stayed there for about 18 months. It got removed to bottom-paint, and then was put on badly by a terrible contractor. A different contractor put on a new one and used a ton of 5200. It stayed in place for over 18 months. Now 1 corner, maybe 1/4th of it, is hanging down again.

Here are my questions, predicated on your having experience with this issue:
1. What "glue" do you use for your boot?
2. Is the "glue" you use something that can cure underwater, or do I need to haul out, apply, and have it cure for some period of time (if so, how long)?
3. I have researched various adhesives (mostly epoxies) that cure under-water, but am wondering if they will work against existing 5200 and/or gel-coat and the rubber boot?

Thank you very much in advance for your input and advice.

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