How do you fuel proof the engine rails?

[Kez]

Guys,

No matter what I do to fuel proof the engine rails, fuel/oil will always find their way into the wood. Typically it starts from the engine mount holes. I have been careful to seal the holes and the entire rails with resin but after a season, you can see the wood get soaked in oil. I even tried sealing it with RTV when I bolt the engine mount to the rails but still not 100% fuel proof.

I would like to know if I am the only one having this problem. How do you seal the wood?

Thanks,

Kez

 

[Preston_Hall]

I don't think that epoxy alone will ever keep the boat 100% sealed. From my experiences it seems the best way to seal and finish a boat is to actually seal the wood with epoxy or a primer and then paint it. Use clear if you want the natural wood finish. An automotive clear also contains UV protectants that will help retain the wood's natural color.

Other than that you need to clean the boat after each event. You could use a solvent but I have been using Goo Gone and it works really well. You will never keep fuel/oil from penetrating epoxies.

 

[gil sonsino]

I've used slow set ZAP finishing epoxy resin to seal( many coats) my riggers and finished with a good ppg paint and can't see any water or oil soaking in the structure....

Gill

 

[chriscarbon]

i though that west systems epoxy would be fuel proof however after two years i could see the wood was becoming fuel soaked. last year when i was spraying clear on my boat i also sprayed the inside fuel compartment. this year the wood still looks good. i was using two part automotive urethane.

chris

 

[davo]

Hi

On my cat i just use aliminium engine rails. Instead of making them the whole length of the boat just make them the length of the engine mounts.

Dave