I am looking to replace the side windows on my 1985 O'Day 35. D & R Marine has replacement windows for $105. Is there any other options and what is the best material to seal them in place with?
O'Day 35 side window replacement
- Thread starter Phantomwind
- Start date
I assume you mean the fixed windows.
Here's how to do it: http://www.sailmagazine.com/boatworks/replacing-fixed-portlights
Buying the windows from Rudy makes it easy - that's what I did. You could buy your own plexi and cut them yourselves.
Here's how to do it: http://www.sailmagazine.com/boatworks/replacing-fixed-portlights
Buying the windows from Rudy makes it easy - that's what I did. You could buy your own plexi and cut them yourselves.
Rudy's instructions were a great help. Also he has the right black Dow caulk. Unfortunetly my windows were a little oversize since the cutouts in the cabin were made a little too big so double check with your old before drilling the new. Drilling was easiest with a "multipurpose bit" on very slow speed. Practice on the old first as it is easy to crack the plastic.
If you're going to drill the plexi for fasteners, invest in a Plexiglass drill bit. I just did a search on Amazon and came up with this: http://www.amazon.com/CRL-16-Plexig...00599795&sr=8-1&keywords=plexiglass+drill+bit Apparently, it has a different tip angle to prevent catching the plastic, and causing cracks.
I used the VHB tape and Dow Corning 795. I got the tape from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Y7H1PO/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_M3T1_ST1_dp_1
And used this high temp silicone coating for painting: http://www.jegs.com/i/DEI/186/010301/10002/-1 It seemed to scratch off kinda easily, so I hope I don't have problems, but it seems like the stuff recommended in the Sail mag article. You'd think that with acrylic plexiglass windows, an acrylic paint would be ideal, but it's impossible to know what most spray paint is made of. Also, when I was looking on the interwebs, it seems there is no exterior acrylic spray paint.
When I pulled the old windows off, there was absolutely no problem with the old 795 still sticking. What happened on my boat was the holes where the screws originally went in spider cracked the gelcoat, and the cracks ran up behind the sealant, such that water could run in behind the sealant. I couldn't see this until I took the old windows off. Sand your gelcoat and vacuum the dust as you sand, and hope you scrape enough of the silicone contaminated gelcoat off so that the new sealant will stick...
And used this high temp silicone coating for painting: http://www.jegs.com/i/DEI/186/010301/10002/-1 It seemed to scratch off kinda easily, so I hope I don't have problems, but it seems like the stuff recommended in the Sail mag article. You'd think that with acrylic plexiglass windows, an acrylic paint would be ideal, but it's impossible to know what most spray paint is made of. Also, when I was looking on the interwebs, it seems there is no exterior acrylic spray paint.
When I pulled the old windows off, there was absolutely no problem with the old 795 still sticking. What happened on my boat was the holes where the screws originally went in spider cracked the gelcoat, and the cracks ran up behind the sealant, such that water could run in behind the sealant. I couldn't see this until I took the old windows off. Sand your gelcoat and vacuum the dust as you sand, and hope you scrape enough of the silicone contaminated gelcoat off so that the new sealant will stick...
Brian, what did you use for the "high temp silicone paint" ( Don Casey is often too non specific). The only such product I could find was DEI Hi-Temp Silicone Coating at Pep Boys. The problem is, it says on the label to cure after spraying with 400 degree heat. Rudy had suggested a "lacquer" but that might not work with the 3M VHB tape?? I called Krylon and they said none of their paints were tested for silicon adhesion. If you used the DEI how long did you wait for it to dry?
Thanks.
BTW I'm an old GP-14 sailor too and my O'Day is currently on the hard in Barnegat.
Thanks.
BTW I'm an old GP-14 sailor too and my O'Day is currently on the hard in Barnegat.
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Larry, that's what I used. I can't say I'm super confident, but another Precision owner I know used the same. I guess we'll see over the next few years.
I'm dying re: my GP14. I'm supposed to be restoring a '66 woodie, but I haven't been. It's makin' me sad, but we'll see how it works out in the end...
I'm dying re: my GP14. I'm supposed to be restoring a '66 woodie, but I haven't been. It's makin' me sad, but we'll see how it works out in the end...
FYI for future reference.
I talked to Don at DEI coatings. He said the paint is compatible with plexiglass and there should be no problems with the above detailed application from SAIL magazine. Also said light sanding the plexiglass would not hurt but not necessary. Drying overnight should be fine.
I sprayed about 3-4 coats without sanding. Will try to post pics when I'm done.
So looking forward to no more leaks!
I talked to Don at DEI coatings. He said the paint is compatible with plexiglass and there should be no problems with the above detailed application from SAIL magazine. Also said light sanding the plexiglass would not hurt but not necessary. Drying overnight should be fine.
I sprayed about 3-4 coats without sanding. Will try to post pics when I'm done.
So looking forward to no more leaks!
Larry, mine was painted during the week, earlier in the week. Like, Monday and Tuesday after work. Then, Saturday, I worked on prepping the boat. I left the painted windows on the dashboard in the sun with the car closed up - haha, not nearly hot enough. But, well… Then I applied the VHB and 795 adhesive sealant on Sunday.
I was really uncomfortable using the DEI, mainly because of the 400º curing. It seems less of a paint, and more of a, something, for the exhaust wrap. But it's also about the only stuff that says it's silicone based. I have used VHT Epoxy suspension paint for my aluminum rudder headstock with reasonable results after a season. I wondered if I could use that, given that it's a higher strength paint, but really didn't have a test bed for it.
Well, like I said, it's not leaking yet. We'll see in a few years. Try to protect the paint on the plexi from scratches. But if it does scratch, just make sure you get the black 795 on the scratched area, and you won't see it.
As for the GP14, I love the varnish. But I hate it, and I'm not looking forward to putting varnish on the interior. Getting 9 or 10 coats on the deck isn't bad, just time consuming. I've been considering using Cetol on the interior. I just can't bring myself to paint the interior, though some people have.
I was really uncomfortable using the DEI, mainly because of the 400º curing. It seems less of a paint, and more of a, something, for the exhaust wrap. But it's also about the only stuff that says it's silicone based. I have used VHT Epoxy suspension paint for my aluminum rudder headstock with reasonable results after a season. I wondered if I could use that, given that it's a higher strength paint, but really didn't have a test bed for it.
Well, like I said, it's not leaking yet. We'll see in a few years. Try to protect the paint on the plexi from scratches. But if it does scratch, just make sure you get the black 795 on the scratched area, and you won't see it.
As for the GP14, I love the varnish. But I hate it, and I'm not looking forward to putting varnish on the interior. Getting 9 or 10 coats on the deck isn't bad, just time consuming. I've been considering using Cetol on the interior. I just can't bring myself to paint the interior, though some people have.
