260 window caulk repair

[Kivalo]

I have a 2003 260 and my starboard window is coming unseated from the caulk. So far the seal has not broken but it looks like it will soon. Anyone know the proper procedure to repair this?

Thanks,
Brad
S/V KIVALO

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Once the seal starts to open up, then you are going to have to pull the window off. First, never use acetone on the lexan as it will scar it and or melt it.

You will need to gently pry open using a putty knife but go around the entire window until there is an opening and then put in some fishing line and with someone inside, use it like a saw and go all the way around it until you free the window. Clean all caulk off on both the boat and window. Ok to use alcohol. You will need to get the caulk but age has caught up with me as to the specific but it is an archeticual grade of 100% pure silicon.

You may want to tape the outline so excess caulk will not get over the outside of the boat as it is hard to get off.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

You will need to get the caulk but age has caught up with me as to the specific but it is an archeticual grade of 100% pure silicon.

The material Dave is searching for is Dow Corning 795.

Follow the instructions as Dave has outlined but the installation can be a little duanting. Check the archives for installation. The one procedure that is absolutely, positively, critical is to sand (using #60 grit) any surfaces to be adhesed with the 795. I am getting ready to do mine in the near future (as hell freezes over) and have played with smooth and roughly sanded acrylic in the work shop. Even when the 795 is only a month old, there is a difference in adhesion with the sanded sample being better. Stretch that out several years and throw in some UV, and it means the difference between success and a possible failure.

Also, if you wind up replacing the port due to damage, the original material is acrylic (plexiglas).