window replacement

[flynfol]

I'm in the process of replacing the plexi(they are crazed....like me ) on my portlights(Mac/Venture 25). They have frames similiar to Catalina. I am confident that this is the first time they have been removed. It would appear that they were sealed to the cabin with what looks, feels and smells like plumbers putty(but stickier). Is that possible? Seems to have worked, they weren't leaking. I see Catalinadirect has the window kits, but am not sure the dimensions are the same. Catdirect is using some kind of adhesive/sealant, which would preclude easy removal if needed. Suggestions?

John

 

[BobM]

Sounds like they may have used butyl tape, which isn't a bad use for it as it stays very flexible for a long time. It is also very inexpensive. If it worked for the first 25+ years why not? It comes in a roll in different widths and is paper backed. It is readily available on the internet (try mcmaster-carr) and can probably be purchased locally. Worst case try a glass shop or mobile home supply. Here is Mainesails discussion of it with some photos.

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=104727

 

[flynfol]

Thats gotta be the stuff......thanks a bunch.

John

 

[dscribner]

John,

Be careful with the butyl tape. There are probably different grades or something. I replace the polycarbonate on my Lancer last year. The sealant that they used was oozing down under the plastic and onto the deck. It didn't look good and was an absolute bear to get off. The previous owner had removed the frames and screwed the plexi right the the hull, compressing the butyl in doing so. Not too bright. I surface mounted the plexi using 3M VHB tape and sealed to the hull with a carefully tooled joint of white silicone. The result is no fasteners and a perimeter that looks like a rubber gasket. In case there are any worries, this tape is used to adhere glass panels into skyscraper frames, 100 stories up.

Fair Winds!

Don

 

[flynfol]

Thanks Guys,

Maine Sail, that grey butyl tape you posted a picture of.........does it have the consistancy of plumbers putty(but stickier)?That appears to be what was on my frames in a tape form would be a guess. It sure was easy to remove the frames ,and whatever that stuff was, I'd like to use the same thing. It didn't seem to stretch when pulled apart(maybe because it's 35 years old). It never leaked, but the gasket(no sealant used) around the plexi did.

John

 

[sinnettc]

sounds like it to me

I just picked some up about 2 weeks ago at Camping World to rebed a stanchion that had been leaking. It's gray, about 3/4 inch wide on a long role. Pretty sticky stuff. I hear it also comes in black but Maine Sail said to avoid that.

 

[sailingdog]

The butyl tape Maine Sail and I refer to is about the consistency of plumber's putty when at room temperature. It has fairly good elasticity but fairly low adhesion. The texture and consistency of the material is highly temperature dependent.

Thanks Guys,

Maine Sail, that grey butyl tape you posted a picture of.........does it have the consistancy of plumbers putty(but stickier)?That appears to be what was on my frames in a tape form would be a guess. It sure was easy to remove the frames ,and whatever that stuff was, I'd like to use the same thing. It didn't seem to stretch when pulled apart(maybe because it's 35 years old). It never leaked, but the gasket(no sealant used) around the plexi did.

John

 

[flynfol]

thanks guys......will stop by camper's world today............now I'm armed:dance:AND dangerous will let you know how it turns out

John

was 83 degrees here yesterday.....wohoo. Marina opened, and as soon as I get the windows in, the cover comes off!

 

[kendall]

Make sure it is butyl, there is also a 'caulk tape' that is a thick caulk, way to tell is that butyl stretches a ways, while the caulk tape breaks with very little stretch and has a grainy texture that's more pronounced at the break. caulk tape works for many things, but butyl is much better all around.

edit:
My old job we used both, and since it was ordered with availability as the only requirement, we got a mix, So I would always hoard the butyl, still have several leftover rolls in the garage.

Ken.

 

[flynfol]

Update

Found a local glass shop that used my old windows for a template and made me new ones(acrylic). $100. They also found the correct channel seal(marine grade) 100' roll for $18. I did buy both types of tape......butyl and glazing tape.....not sure which to use yet. They both seem capable. The frames are held in by quite a few screws, so the tape is only providing a water seal....maybe a slight amount of friction between the frame and cabin. Never realized how structural those windows are! Going together sometime this week.

Thanks for the info,

John