repair or upgrade for windows?

[Roger]

The aluminum-framed windows on my 1978 Cat-30 leak...I'm considering to replace the window seals (e.g., kit from CatalinaDirect.com), or maybe even do the more expensive upgrade to new tinted acylic windows (kit from CruisingConcepts.com). Any experiences or suggestions regarding these options will be appreciated.

 

[Lauraine3557]

Speaking from experience, it's prob'ly

going to be easier to replace them than it is to repair/refurbish them. We used the Catalina Direct kit also and it worked out fine. Either way, have a ton of patience and plan on doing A LOT of cleaning and scraping old gunk off the port openings. Getting them perfectly clean is essential to a tight, leakproof fit. Also plan on using lots of goo to refit them. We used Boat Life polysulfide caulk, which takes on a life of it's own and multiplies as you watch. Have a LARGE supply of paper towels and rags. Good luck with whichever way you go. It's a great feeling when it's done.

 

[bobcat17801]

windows

Been there ...done that.We used the catalina repair kit and worked ours off. Taking them out was a breeze. Cleaning the old gunk off and reseating them was a pain in the neck. It took two of us cleaning about three hours per window. Not a fun day. We have finished just two of the existing windows and am considering just replacement on the rest. Either way good luck.....bob

 

[RIck]

Replacement Windows

Are there replacement windows out there for a 86 C30.

 

[Swimmer Catalina Capri 25]

Cruising Concepts Retro

I replaced my portlights with the retro kit from Cruising Concepts. Repairing the originals was not an option. They had been worked over by too many previous owners who had drilled holes and applied about 9 different kinds of sealant. The kits from Cruising Concepts come with everything you need. I had a couple of questions, called and spoke with Mike and found him very helpful. I have seen reports of some people in warmer climates having the butyl tape run in the heat. They recommend using 3M 5200 black in place of the tape. I also found the 3M adhesive cleaner to work very well in removing the old adhesive. Wipe it on and let it soak in a few minutes, works like a champ and makes the most miserable part of the clean up a lot more bearable. The updated look the kit gave my 82 boat is another benefit not to be overlooked.Whatever you choose, good luck!

 

[Roger]

think I'll go for the retrofit upgrade

Thanks for the input. Sounds like the removal of existing aluminum windows plus cleanup of surfaces is the worst part of the job in either case. But I guess the retrofit upgrade will install easier, be more reliable (not leak), and look better. Any further comments from anyone?