Leaky cabin windows

[Found at Sea]

I recently discovered a small leak in one of the fixed cabin windows on my H34. Dripping right on the nav. station table. A little silicone touch up on the outside didn't fix the problem. Do I need to pull them and install new seals? Any idea where seal (rubber gasket) material can be found?

Thanks

 

[Steve Dion]

FAS: I assume that you have one of early models that had aluminum frames. I don't see why the DOW795 would not work to seal the window into the frame and then the frame into the opening.

This stuff is made for commercial window glazing.

 

[Found at Sea]

Yes, 1985 H34. Thanks for the recommendation Steve.

 

[Steve Dion]

Did your model have the alum. frames?

 

[Guillaume C.]

I used some commercial silicone and I cannot recommend it. Adhesion to gelcoat have been very weak and the black color faded quickly. So far Ive never had problem with either 3M or Sikaflex marine caulkings

If your frame are in bad condition, you may be interested in gluing the new port in place instead of having tons of fasteners...

 

[Allan12210]

Been there, done that. The problem with the leaks was that they probably have gone undetected for awhile and caused a bit of rot in the wood between the inner and outer layers of fiberglass on the cabin top. Time for an inspection by at least removing the inner plastic frame material. Hopefully they are not glued in. You don't want to break those. In my case here is what we did subsequently to repair our windows.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...mid=267&cat_id=31&aid=8052&page=article&mn=34

 

[Mark48]

from my experience, 85 has plastic frames unless they have been replaced.

 

[Steve Dion]

from my experience, 85 has plastic frames unless they have been replaced.

Mark:

That is why I was asking. The later boats did NOT have frames, they only had vinyl trim.

 

[Mark48]

I understand now what you are saying, yes the 85 has the vinyl trim. When I bought my 85 it had to have a couple replaced. The replacement eliminated the leaks, at least for the last couple of years, so far.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Check out Richard Byer's fixed port rebedding on his H34 in the Owner's Mods forum.

 

[Steve Dion]

I think that there are a couple of good options for changing out these units.

Bomon Marine out of Canada

Mark Plastics in Corona California.