Getting soaked; help!

[Randy]

I own a 1991 Legend 35.5. No structural problems except for a leaky port starlight (I guess that's what it is called) on the deck. Three different boat yards have tried to fix it. Initially, two of them removed the plexiglass, removed the old glue, put the best 3M stuff, and the thing kept on leaking. A third one told me that he would fix it and not charge me if it continued to leak. He put 3M stuff again, and it leaked. Then he tried a new stuff--can't remember the name--that was supposed to be the best for bonding plexiglass to fiberglass. It worked for about two months, and now started to leak, again. From what I've seen, leaks appear to come from/go throughI the sealant itself. There are spider cracks around the corners, but am told that they are not deep enough.Any ideas? Shall I buy a new plexiglass? Where? Desperate, and totally frustrated.

 

[Steve Dion]

Dow 795 or 995

The proper stuff to use is the Dow 795 or 995 that you can get at Hunter. This is an industrial sealant that is used in commercial glazing operations.If you have cracks, then you may want to consider new plexiglass.

 

[Alan]

Have had ...

..the same problem. I fixed it with Dow 795. Very easy job to do yourself. Have a similar leak developing on the side widow over the nav station. Again will use 795 for the fix.

 

[patrick]

Remove and clean both sides well

If there is any old sealant, you can expect more problems. I made a plastic scraper when I did mine. Less likely to scratch...

 

[Paul Akers]

Caution: Dont Step on It!!!

FYI. Never step on the plexiglass. It is flexible and will bend. This will break the seal. Does anybody step on it? BTW, this happens on ALL boats.

 

[SoupyT]

Don't forget the screw holes

I had the same problem, but I put a squirt of silicone in each screw hole before re-fitting the screw, that did the trick. It's now hose-proof.