Window replacement question on my 1986 Oday 28

[fourwhitesocks]

Ok I have a question. I am going to replace the large port light on the port side of my 28 Oday. (it's the large one on that side not one of the smaller ones that open) Yesterday I had no problem removing the window from the boat and started the process of removing all of the adhesive that was under the window.

When I was removing the window I noticed right away that there was a pretty thick, black gasket that went completely around the whole piece of plexiglass (or are they made of Lexan, I'm not sure), on the inside, where the window was attached to the boat. I was very careful and able to also remove that gasket; without injuring it.

My question is...is that gasket from the factory or was it added by the previous owner whom (I can tell for sure) tried to fix the window in the past. I can't find anywhere else online about a 28' or other Odays coming with a black gasket behind the large port light windows...

 

[TENACITY CS36T]

Contact Rudy at D&R Marine, he will know for sure.

 

[Tom Potter]

I found the same black gasket when I replaced the ports on my 28. I did not use them when I reinstalled the ports. That's been a few years ago and still no leaks. Just watch what sealant you use. I ordered the replacement ports and Dow sealant from Rudy.

 

[fourwhitesocks]

Ok wow thank you! I kinda had a feeling that the gasket did come from the factory being that it was like perfectly made ;-)

I spent today getting all of the old adhesive off of the boat, it looks great but Tom, did you put anything in that void between the inside and outside of the boat like around the window area, I was shocked that there is like nothing there...if water gets in there is it like leaking all the way down in-between right to the core on the weather-deck??

 

[njlarry]

Do search here. This has been covered many times. As far as I know there is NO black gasket. Black sealant was used-Dow 795.
Rudy has the repacement and as you will find you do not have to drill the new portlight.
Wish I knew how to give the right links, do the search and you will find the discussion.
I did this last spring, came out great.

 

[fourwhitesocks]

Omgosh wow I don't even have to drill it? The sealant will be enuff to hold it in place? Yep I do understand now that there is not really supposed to be any black gasket. I was wondering what Tom above put in that void around the windows if any...?

 

[Tom Potter]

I don't recall putting anything in the voids. I did use screws because they had been used before. I suppose you could install the ports without, you would need to rig up a way to hold the ports in place securely until the sealant drys. The screws are only used to hold the port until the sealant dries, not to secure the port. If you use the screw method don't over thighed them, just snug them up. There are some tricks using masking tape to keep the sealant from getting all over the place. I'm sure you can find the tips in the archives.

 

[fourwhitesocks]

Ok thank you again for the info! Tom!

 

[Euphoria2011]

I did one side about a month ago using the dow adhesive and it cracked on the end so i installed the other one i had planned for the other side and it cracked as well. The second one i installed i made the screw holes super big to allow for window expansion but it still broke, i am not sure what i will do now.. Bummed out about it....

 

[fourwhitesocks]

you will find you do not have to drill the new portlight.

njLarry how did you handle the install without drilling if I may ask?

 

[fourwhitesocks]

OH no Euphoria2011, why do you think they cracked? OH geeze I would be so bummed out too, where did your replacements come from and or what material were the replacements? That totally freaks me out...

 

[njlarry]

njLarry how did you handle the install without drilling if I may ask?

Do a search here...I posted pics.
3m vhb tape and dow 795 sealant
Trust me....you do not want to drill them

 

[Panta Rei]

Do a search here...I posted pics. 3m vhb tape and dow 795 sealant Trust me....you do not want to drill them

I completely agree. No need for screws unless you must use them while the adhesive sets and then fill them but any other method to hold it in place is much better.

 

[fourwhitesocks]

njLarry, Ok feeling a little dumb here I tried your search query and still can't find where you posted pics or info on using that sealant and tape for putting in your window... ;-(

What physically holds the window in place while everything cures? I think I'm missing something.

 

[Brian S]

White socks, have you seen my post on the other thread? The VHB tape is double sticky acrylic foam. That does the physical hold. And the 795 will also hold once cured. Here's the article from Sail mag: http://www.sailmagazine.com/boatworks/replacing-fixed-portlights

 

[njlarry]

Search Replace side winxows on sailboat fromsept this year.
The vhb tape i feeldoes more to maintain theproper gap than hold the window in place.I used wood blocks to keep the window fromzliding down.
Get back w any questions after reading the posts.
Excuse thetablet typing.

 

[fourwhitesocks]

Brian S, If the thread you are referring to contains the link to the article in Sail like you mention again here; then yes I think I found it...(would love to have the link for sure tho), I appreciate your help. I'm just trying to figure all this out ;-)

 

[fourwhitesocks]

Excuse thetablet typing.

njlarry, thank you I will have some more time this weekend to check it all out.

Also thank you for the laugh, I got a chuckle out of 'thetablet' typing lol, too funny!!