BoatLIFE® has pioneered the marine sealants industry for over 65 years. With the founding of the company in 1959 by Mr. Edwin Kehrt, a former captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With Mr. Kehrt’s introduction of marine caulking and sealants to the industry, he revolutionized what we know of boat sealants today. Our rich history in manufacturing only the highest-quality, American-made boat building, boat care, boat maintenance, and boat restoration products has solidified the brand’s excellence and the superior quality behind the name. We know a thing or two about boat caulk, so if you’re in the market for a high-quality product that will work as intended, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best boat sealants. As always, if you have application questions or any other technical question about our product, our in-house team of experts are happy to assist with your call or email.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Boat Sealants
Before you begin, it is important to know the difference between the silicone and silicone hybrid sealants and the polysulfide and polyurethane based sealants. Then, consult our Sealant Chart available in English and French to know which sealant is right for the job. Note, it is important to understand what substrates you are working with, as not all sealants will work on all substrates. Know your materials and always read the manufacturer’s instructions and SDS’s before you begin. Now here is the ultimate guide to the best boat sealants.
- Life-Calk® – our signature sealant, a one-part based Tiokol® polysulfide sealant that cures to a waterproof seal. Life-Calk bonds to wood, fiberglass, glass, and metal, and will not harden, leaving a tenacious bond over time. The sealant can be used above or below the waterline, and is sandable, paintable, and permanently flexible.
- Life Seal® – this permanently flexible polyurethane and silicone sealant is designed for use on fiberglass boats. It is compatible with fiberglass, metal, glass, and wood, and can be used above or below the waterline.
- Marine Silicone Rubber Sealant – made from high-grade silicone polymers in a non-corrosive formula, this sealant is flexible with great adhesion to fiberglass, plastic, metal and wood. It can also be used above or below the waterline.
- Teak Deck Sealant – great for use on teak and other woods, this sealant is flexible and will not shrink, crack, or dry out. It leaves a smooth finish once sanded.
- Polyurethane Adhesive/Sealer – this sealant is permanently sealable, so should be used for permanent installations only. It is not meant for UV exposure although it can be used above or below the waterline. Use it for wherever you need to permanently seal two substrates. Note: BoatLIFE® is a distributor and not the manufacture of this product.
No matter what the job, we have the perfect sealant for the task. Browse our full catalog of boat caulks and sealants one our website and be sure to read about the importance of a neutral curing when choosing a boat sealant before you begin. Happy caulking!
About Life Industries Corporation
Founded by Mr. Edwin Kehrt on Long Island, New York in 1959, Life Industries Corporation formulates, compounds, labels, packages, and ships various chemical compounds. Parent company to BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE Industries, the organization relocated to its present home in North Charleston, South Carolina in 1995. Grace L. Schmidt, Mr. Kehrt’s daughter, has been president since 1987. This year marks the company’s 65th anniversary.
