Boat Windows, How to Repair Leaks.

[skipper68]

Came across this great sight, explaining how to repair leaking windows and their causes. Hope it helps. http://www.yachtsurvey.com/WindowRepair.htm There are few problems that can cause more damage and detract from the value of your boat than window, porthole and hatch leaks. Even well constructed boats will eventually develop leaks simply because boats are not totally rigid structures. In fact, they twist and flex quite a bit, and poorly constructed boats flex a lot, which is why we see so many entry-level boats that more or less just strain the water before it enters the interior.

"I am constantly amazed at the number of boats I see where the owner has simply smeared some caulking around the window frames of leaking windows. Let's start with the point that not only does this make a mess of your boat, but this a complete waste of time. When you develop leaking windows, ports or hatches, no surface remedy is going to solve the problem" The part about aluminum, black painted frames was interesting also. Most think even buying new "Bolt on" windows wont leak, but unless you bed them right, you will have the same problems.

[Roger Cumming]

This seems to be about lightly built fiberglass power boats with black anodized window frames and with decks that flex when walked on. It doesn't have much to do with wooden boats and why they leak at the windows.

[skipper68]

[Quote: This method works for all types of windows, including glass sandwiched between two pieces of wood. The trick here is to NOT initially draw the frame completely flush, thereby squeezing all the bedding out. If the frame starts to leak at a later date, you then have the opportunity to tighten it even further, whereas had all the bedding been squeezed out, retightening would have no effect because there's really no gasket in there.Quote] It explains the best way to seal ALL window boat types and why most repairs are not done right.(Although I would recommend the silkaflex.) Look under "Windows, Windows, Those Leaking Windows on the page.[Quote:Here's the reason why the interior of the Albin was ruined. The window consists of nothing more than a piece of glass sandwiched between two pieces of wood. To make matters worse, the builder used a sealant that dried hard and brittle which can be seen falling out at point of the black arrow.Quote] Here's the link, with photo's .http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Windows.htm It has wood window info there also. More of a rant on the builders I think.