Make your own parts with Sikaflex

The sea is a harsh environment, and even sturdy marinized gear breaks down. 4 years of UV damage has turned my Lewmar #4 track stops into crumble. 

This is why I found myself making do with a tube of Sika 291 and a bar of soap to replace my track rubber stops.

Out in the wilder parts of the world there is not the same access to parts and services that we are used to in the West. Sometimes you need to get a little bit creative when cruising.

Even out in New Zealand some parts can be hard to source. Although my track stops were on order, the expected delivery would take months. I decided to try a temporary replacement.

With my last intact rubber stop, and a bar of soap, I heated the soap, and when it softened, enough, I stirred it, put in the rubber stop and waited for it to cool down. 

I carefully removed the rubber stop, and with my new mould, and a tube of sika 291, I made up enough temporary stops to get by until the replacements arrived.

The lesson I learned is that Sika 291 is a little soft, and a harder compound maybe 5200 might work better.

Also, thoroughly wash the soapy pan before making Pasta for lunch!