leaky windows

[chester spink]

My new-to-me 1981 Catalina 30 has leaky cabin windows of the aluminium frame and rubber gasket type. Are there any tricks of the trade that I should know about when resealing them? (They seem to be glued in)

 

[Sean]

Windows

Just sealed my windows. Prier posts said to use butyl tape. Tried this method and it was very easy to do. Each window took about 40 minutes though. The hose down afterword proved to be successful. Sean

 

[Bob Pugh]

There is a product available at the auto supply store to seal leaky car windows. It is a clear liquid. In lieu of a total gasket replacement on one of my windows, I used this product and it solved the problem. Cosmetically, it is not perfect, but the alternative may not look so good either. Good luck!

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

3M products

If I ever have to rebed my ports, I'll probably try out that RV product Sean recommended but another option is to use 3M 4200 (NOT 5200). Very messy though in comparison.LaDonna

 

[markv]

sikaflex!

sikaflex makes a couple of different types of sealants, 240 is good for your situation.stove alcohol works great for clean up. mask off the gelcoat around the frames prior to final removel of the windows don't use mask tape! use the blue or green tape that works for varnishing. this is a straight forward job and thorough prepwork is the key. [ ain't that always how it is?]

 

[Chris Gonzales]

ARCHIVES again

Butyl Tape Submitted by Chris Gonzales on 05/24 at 07:06AM regarding General_interest G,This is a topic that has been debated forever in forums all over the net and opinions are many. The original window installation by Catalina on my '79 C30 and '88 C25 involved the use of clear silicon sealant. When I have reset or installed a new window I used butyl tape (putty tape), the same stuff used on RVs.Butyl tape is very easy to use and also very easy to remove later, if needed. It conforms to the shape of the two surfaces you are working with and really gives a good seal. Some feel better if they run a line of caulking along the top and sides of the window for extra protection, but I don't feel that is necessary. With the tape alone there is no visible sign of caulking on the outside and the windows look great.Chris Funny you should ask... Submitted by L-Seelig on 05/24 at 07:34AM regarding Catalina 25 I am currently working on that very project. I took my windows out completely took apart the frames tinted the windows, put new window frame seals in and am now in the process of putting it all back together. I have one side done and the butyl rubber tape is perfect. Just like Chris said, it is easy to work with and a snap to clean up. After what I found was used the last time my windows were sealed (weather stripping type putty) there is no wonder my windows were leaking. I have a lot more confidence in the butyl tape. Regards,Lysle Opening port Submitted by Chris Gonzales on 05/04 at 07:17AM regarding Catalina 30 Ray,If I remember correctly it was a 4x14. I purchased it from West Marine. I'll see if I can find the receipt and give you the part#. They had it in stock at their warehouse and delivered it to the store near my marina in 2 days. $212.50 plus tax. OUCH. email me at ch2chris@pacbell.net and I'll send you a picture of it installed.By the way. I have read dozens of posts about how to install these windows and what to use for caulking. I used butyl tape (putty tape) only. Works great, easy to install, not messy.Chris