leaking windows/ ports

[solodare]

Can some one point me in the right direction? Im having trouble finding DIY info.
I have a venture 22 and the windows are leaking pretty bad. I have tried searching but cant find anything specific to my type of window. while I got them out I would like to do as much as possible restoration wise. clean up the frames maybe replace the glass?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I have tried searching but cant find anything specific to my type of window.

If you can't find the information you require here in the SEARCH menu, it just doesn't exist. Keep your search words short to get the widest coverage.

 

[Brian S]

There is a Venture 17 next to my slip. I believe it has an aluminum frame around the window, and your Venture 22 may be similar. I think this is also the style of window found on many Catalinas, so you should look around on that forum as well.

You are probably going to need to remove the aluminum frame and re-seal the windows. I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with how they are installed, or what is the proper way to seal them up again.

 

[Stu Jackson]

If you can't find the information you require here in the SEARCH menu, it just doesn't exist. Keep your search words short to get the widest coverage.

Have you tried "aluminum frame portlights?" or ...windows"?

The search defaults to All Forums, so don't bother with specific forums.

 

[solodare]

finding some threads now thanks for the search tips.

 

[Steve Dion]

Check with these guys. They may have what you need.

http://www.markplastics.com/

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

How about some photos would help so we can hopefully advise you better.

 

[solodare]

This is the only picture I have at the moment.

 

[solodare]

so this is a closer picture of the frames. I would have thought this would be a common repair. I have done a lot of searching but have yet to find any info on this particular frame. I guess it cant be that different from most frames but was hoping to find that cut and dry youtube walk through video you know? most of what I have found has been Catalina repair. I think these work a little different.

Also What is a better replacement , Lexan or Plexiglas?

One more thing Im confused about is the trim pictured in the last shot. Its about 3" to short on all the frames? Is that supposed to be that way?

 

[solodare]

my idea from what I have found is this.
Replace the window with "plexiglas"
butyl tape to seal frame to hull.
glazing gasket to seal window to the frame.

 

[topcat0399]

my idea from what I have found is this.
Replace the window with "plexiglas"
butyl tape to seal frame to hull.
glazing gasket to seal window to the frame.

Its not just the frames - its the stupid gaskets within the frames on both sides of the plastic.

We have been down this road already many times with our old venture that used to have port lights just like yours. Those aluminum frame jobs are overly complicated and we never had any luck getting them to seal well with sealant such as butyl among others. Finally after pulling them out for the fourth time we deleted the frames entirely and went with acrylic glued with DOW 795 directly to the cabin window cut outs. It was a job but finally Case closed.

It also improved the port light function making them far less gun slit like.

Many others have also used this approach and if you like I can dig up the steps we took or find a link for you. As I said - it was a job but I don't expect any further port light leaks for the remaining life of the boat.

 

[caguy]

Its not just the frames - its the stupid gaskets within the frames on both sides of the plastic.

We have been down this road already many times with our old venture that used to have port lights just like yours. Those aluminum frame jobs are overly complicated and we never had any luck getting them to seal well with sealant such as butyl among others. Finally after pulling them out for the fourth time we deleted the frames entirely and went with acrylic glued with DOW 795 directly to the cabin window cut outs. It was a job but finally Case closed.

It also improved the port light function making them far less gun slit like.

Many others have also used this approach and if you like I can dig up the steps we took or find a link for you. As I said - it was a job but I don't expect any further port light leaks for the remaining life of the boat.

O did that with the large ports on the Luger 30. I used black polyurethane, it's actually a roof sealer. Flexible and tougher than nails.
How did you finish the inside, between the plexiglass and the inner shell?

 

[topcat0399]

O did that with the large ports on the Luger 30. I used black polyurethane, it's actually a roof sealer. Flexible and tougher than nails.
How did you finish the inside, between the plexiglass and the inner shell?

Old Ventures didn't have hull liners so it was just a matter of neatening up the raggedy window cutouts that Macgregor cut for the port light frames before gluing on the new acrylic to the outside.

 

[solodare]

so TOPCAT you're saying that both sides of the glass are sealed with the glazing gasket. (originally)

Do you have any pictures of your refit?

 

[topcat0399]

so TOPCAT you're saying that both sides of the glass are sealed with the glazing gasket. (originally)

Do you have any pictures of your refit?

Honestly I have forgotten how the gaskets were in there - I still have them somewhere in the bone pile. They pretty much look like yours.

Sadly sometimes I fail to take photos during the refit of some item much to my later dismay. Attached are a couple of photos showing result.

 

[solodare]

Well, The refit certainly seems like less work, less problematic, less costly and more ascetically pleasing... I cant think of one reason not to go that route.
Do you remember what thickness you used?
Also, would you still go with the 795? I would think the butyl tape would be easier but to be honest I have never used it. I'm trying to understand how to apply the 795 with out leaving an ugly gap or a mess of caulk oozing out.

 

[Brian S]

Here is an article on how to replace fixed windows: http://www.sailmagazine.com/boatworks/replacing-fixed-portlights

Mine were flush to the cabin side with no frames, and the cabin was not recessed where the window attached. I bought replacement plexiglass that was the same color as the old ones. I used the VHB foam tape and filled in with Dow Corning 795 structural adhesive. I did not drill the plexi for screws, because all they do is hold the plexi in place until the 795 cures. I figured the VHB would do adequately. I did it last spring, and so far I haven't observed any leaks, and the windows haven't peeled off yet, so here's hoping...

One note, I used wood blocks hot glued to the cabin along the top and back edge of the window to align before I pressed the window with VHB applied to the cabin. I also ran a bead of 795 along the bottom of the window before putting in place, because it would be hard to get the caulk gun under because it's so close to the side deck. I had one shot to get it all lined up, because you can't pull the VHB off. Two blocks along the top of the window, and one back had it positioned fore and aft and lined up level. Blocks were like 3" deep, lined all up against the blocks then slid along the blocks till up against the cabin.

 

[flynfol]

I posted this repair some years ago, but I can't find it. Still leak free. Those frames are very structural as you will find out when you remove them. Butyl tape between frame and cabin. This will ooze out over time, just remove with a dull butter knife. Glazing seal p/n D752C from c.r. Laurence.com. No sealant needed on the glazing seal...use as is. JB weld to cover the seams where small pieces of aluminum hold the frame together. Inject silicon in the area of those retainers through the screw holes before installing screws. When you take it apart, you will see. Have a local glass shop remake the plexi.....not lexan. The guy told me why, but I don't remember...brittle? Not sure. Soapy water to put the whole mess together.....be patient! Rubber mallet. DONT stretch the seal to close a gap, it will separate. One seam at the top. Did I mention to be patient? It took me a weekend to repair four windows. Still leak free...YMMV

 

[sailingseadragon]

See the lower section this post for details of the port design and lessons learned.

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Ports.htm

Garner

 

[solodare]

Thanks for all the post. I have ordered some Butyl tape from main sail, should be here in a day or so. Think Im going to go the original route. I like the newer flush mount look but just a little worried about getting a uniform look from basically gluing the plexi to the hull. after the last couple of post and seeing what the actual gasket looks like, I think the original way will be the best choice for what I want to do. Now I just need to get some plexiglass cut and find some gasket. I think Catalina direct sales it.