Sealant for Windows - 3M 4200??

[Johnny Henson]

I have been restoring my Catalina 22 (and I appreciate the advice over the last year from Donna and many others). I am about through, and one of the last things is to reinstall the windows. I am planning to use 3M 4200 sealant, but I am concerned about whether it will harden and later leave cracks. I have been advised NOT to use silicone. Catalina advises in several of the upgrade kits, that they do not care for silicone. They sent Sikkaflex (?spelling?), and, more recently, sent 3M 4200 with one of their kits. I would appreciate any info anyone has had using 4200 for the windows, or if there is another recommendation.Johnny HensonGreenwood, MS

 

[Rodd C.]

Do Not Use 4200

I used 4200 to install two windows in my old C-30. Because the boat was on the hard I could not step back away and make sure the windows were in correctly. Inadvertantly one window came out a little crooked. I tried everything to remove the window but it was very permanent. 3M claims it's easy to remove. Wrong! I tried to remove a stanchion bedded with 4200 and took up a good chunk of my non skid with it. I just did a window in my C-36 last week with the stuff they use to install them at the Catalina factory. It's called Butyl tape and I ordered it in gray from Portland Glass the size you want is (1/2" wide X 1/16" thick) any good glass shop can order it for you. They all stock the black but I would advise special ordering the gray because the black can stain the gel coat. If you want to use any 3M product use 3M 101 (purple and white tube)it's much better for bedding and sealing and can be easily removed.

 

[John Visser]

Agreed!

Rodd's response is right on the money. 4200 is recommended by some folks on this site for many purposes for which it is not appropriate. It is good stuff, but has limited applicability for repair and refurbishment. Butyl tape is the correct way to bed ports into the coach roof. It fills lage gaps, remains flexible, provides a watertight seal, and is removeable. 101 is the correct stuff for bedding hardware on deck. It shousl be allowed to set up before final tightening.4200 is good for permaanent stuff, like bilge pump through-hulls and the like. However, once opened, it must be used up, or thrown out, since is cures by reaction with moisture in the air. I just tossed a nearly full tube. Otheres have had success saving it, I haven't.

 

[Lysle Seelig]

Butyl tape is best...

I pulled all my windows, tinted and re-installed them last season. The Butyl tape is the best, easy to work with, and makes a perfect seal. If there's an RV supply around where you live they probably have it in stock.Regards,Lysle

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

4200 vs. 5200

I've used both on my boat and only have had problems removing 5200. The things I used 4200 on & had to rebed were fine. But I *have* heard many folks recommend using the butyl tape for ports.LaDonna

 

[Denny Fegan]

Use Silicone

Johnny,Your best bet is silicone. It stays flexable and is relatively easy to remove. the secret is no to tighten up the window until after the silicone has cured for 24 hours (or use a heat lamp). You have to use shims (i used small bolts) to hold the window in the center of the opening until it cures. You can then tighten the screws and the silicone forms a good gasket.