Caulking the windows

[Jack Kelly]

Our windows leak - any suggestions as to the best type of sealant you have used successfully? Any tips as to how to apply it?  Also, the sliding flat plexiglass entranceway cover looks like it would leak in a good storm - fits pretty loose - any suggestions? If we put it on a mooring, I'm thinking about stretching a tarp over the boom and securing it with bungees.Worth the effort? thanks! Jack.

 

[Mike Kenny]

Dow Corning 739

Dow Corning 739 is what Hunter uses and you can buy it from them. It's excellent for this purpose. Take the inside frames off and with the window in place mask all around the inside frame, the inside window and on the outside cabin top around the window. Use good masking tape (Blue 3M). Put a good bead of the 739 on the exposed surface of the cabin top and press the window in place. Replace the SS screws if you have any, and be careful not to over tighten them. (You don't want to squeeze all the sealant out.) Give the sealant a chance to set and remove the masking tape. Be careful when replacing the wood interior frames. It may be possible to drive those screws too far and end up pushing the window away from the cabin top.We never had any leaks from the sliding top. There is a relatively large gutter.Mikes/v Debbia H23s/v Debbia II Newport 31