Leaking lights

[jmkinsfbay]

My 2006 model is starting to develop water leaks around the two rectangular fixed skylights above the forward part of the cabin. The skylights all seem to be part of some fixed unit, as there is a grey bead of sealant all the way around the pair of skylights. One can see that the sealant is starting to separate from the surrounding fiberglass. So, I would appreciate any and all input from whoever has tackled the job of replacing this sealant, including the best method for removing it, does the fiberglass then need sanding or priming, and the best "stuff" to seal it all up again. BTW, I would prefer not getting involved with Beneteau America as I've had nothing but headaches there.
Many thanks,
Jerry

 

[Joe2954]

Not sure of your model. My 06 343 has one large panorama window that looks like two from inside the cabin. I used Sikaflex products. Sika 295 UV. Their US website includes instructions for sealing boat windows in their Marine manual. Search for sika marine.
I needed to do it again this past summer but was limited by a bad hip. So next summer it is. Meantime I'll tape a tarp down over the area to reduce the leakage.

I gouged out the old sealant using a box cutter, screwdrivers, narrow chisel and whatever I could fit into the groove. I did not remove the "glass". I sanded the edges as bedt I could a file might work better. I also used a heat gun judiciously to dry out the groove before applying the cleaner.
Sika requires a solvent based cleaner, followed by a primer that is black then the sealant. I used white sealant even though the old was grey.
The primer is pricey and you only need a very small amount. It also permanantly stains anything it touches.
I masked the edges before applying the primer. However I found the surface of the glazing did not always match the height of the surrounding fiberglas so the taper sometimes ran onto the tape. I pulled the tape right after I finished spreading just as the sealant started to tack.
I used a little over one tube of sealant. I found it best to "push" the bead and not overfill too much. As with any caulk, your finger is the best spreader/smoother. I tried a small paint brush dipped in mineral spirits for smoothing but the sealant had already tacked so left alone.

I started along the lower edge and worked up and around.

Probably took an afternoon to do it.

Sika also supplies a UV tape to go over the sealant that I will try next summer.

Ask around marinas and chandleries for someone that does this. I had a quote for $200 plus parts to do mine which I would have done if they would have been available.

 

[jmkinsfbay]

Many thanks

That all sounded just like the ticket. Maybe in the meanwhile I can attach some snaps at the four corners and make a waterproof cover.
Jerry