Dude,,, this job is really easy. Follow these steps.
One of the large window that run along side the Salon on our boat has started to pull away from the fiberglass. I put some caulk over it to temporarily keep water out. Before I cut/pull if the rest of the way out I want to know if this is something a do it yourselfer can rebed or do I need to hire a professional. This is not a porthole with a frame. the Lexan appears to just be bedded onto the fiberglass. there are also a few small indentations covered with a black rubbery substance. They look like they could be screw holes but they are so small I doubt it. I am in Panama and the yard here is a nightmare so I cannot use them. Any experience with these windows would really help.
Ok,,
I'm going to make you an expert.
First thing..grab a six pack
Now, you need to get the window out which is very easy
You see all those little black rubber nubbies??
There are screws under them.
With a screwdriver carefully pick out enough to access the Phillips screw heads.
Now just remove the screws.
Now, you need to make a tool.
Remember in the gangster movies how some really bad guy sneaks up behind someone else, and pulls this piano wire across his neck and murders him in about 20 seconds of grunting and all sorts of neat violence?
You need one of these.
So, go locate a mini-roll of very thin stainless piano wire.
It is often sold as seizing wire for locking bolts. Any marine place has it.
Or, go to an assassin supply shop. They stock it as well, and probably cheaper than the marine guys.
Now, you need 2 wooden dowels; about 1" diameter. 8" long
You could drill a hole hole at 4" crossways. Makes it easier.
Now, go to a corner of the window
At the very corner, work the wire straight through the sealant so that it pokes straight through, and comes out the other side.
I find it easier to start on the inside of the boat, and poke it outside.
Now, use one of your "cold ones" to attract a buddIe.
Wrap the stainless wire around the handles, (through the hole first).
WEAR GLOVES!!
If the wire slips, breaks, etc. it can cut you real bad.
Now, just use it as a saw to work around the whole frame.
The window will pop out in, maybe, 10 minutes. It is redicuiusky easy
Now, you need a tube of Corning 795 sealant. CHECK THE DATE CODE.
With a small metal scraper remove as much as you can from the Fiberglas.
Now, get a brass brush, like a bbb soft cleaning brush, and clean up the rest real well.
On the window, use a razor blade, And a bit of brass wool (very lightly) you wAnt a very small but of roughness to get the 795 to adhere.
Remove all the interior cushions below where you're working, and lay in drop cloths to cover everything. Now mask around the outside of the window with 3/4" blue tape
Now, have a cold one.
Ok, next put on a very liberal 795 bead all the way around on the outside.
Carefully fit the window, and Start putting in screws
DONT jack them all the way down.
You want a min of 1/8 in the gap between window & hull
Do the screws slowly, and work your way around.
With a small cup of water with a touch of dish soap in it, use your finger to remove excess caulking, with the water making a nice shiny surface finish.
Now, pull the masking tape.
Leave the screws in for at least a week.
Then fill the holes with 795
Good luck !!