Arbomast BR / Other Butyl Sealants - Sealing Windows

[Ammonite]

I like the idea of using a non-setting butyl sealant to seal my new acrylic windows which are secured to the outside of the cabin sides by stainless self tapers. The only thing I'm worried about is the lack of UV resistance. Most of the sealant will obviously be behind the tinted acrylic, so no problem there, but what about the bead around the outside? Does anyone have any long term experience of using this type of product? I've found loads of old posts out there but nothing that really addresses this.

The other option I'm considering is to use a 3mm EPDM foam gasket but I'm a bit concerned that mould / mildew etc will creep underneath the face over time - again any experienced users out there? Thanks in advance.

I'm not too keen on going down the sikaflex UV route.

 

[Martin_J]

I've used Arbormast BR on all my windows that didn't need adhesive qualities (such as Sikaflex would provide) in the sealant. I wasn't too worried about the mm or so that does get the sun since whatever is hidden behind that will not see the sun.

Although my windows have metal frames.. have you considered painting a silver (perhaps 1" wide) strip around the edge of the window material.. This is what Jeanneau do and from a distance it looks like a metal frame!

 

[Deleted member 36384]

SCAPA 3507 and Hadlow Marine Information on Fitting Acrylic Windows With Bedding Tape

I have been using Hadlow Marine to refurbish my aluminium frame windows. I don't have any long term experience but they provide this type of sealant to bed the frames in with. I certainly can attest to the ease of fitting and water proofing qualities. In 2 years that the aft cabin windows have been in place the top of the seal, which you can see, has not shown any visible degradation.

Details specific to acrylic windows from Hadlow's web site below. You can see from the quote that this stuff is UV resistant. You could call them and ask their opinion.

http://hadlo-43547-001.dsvr.co.uk/
http://hadlo-43547-001.dsvr.co.uk/Pages/Fitting acrylic windows.pdf
http://hadlo-43547-001.dsvr.co.uk/Pages/seals-bedding.html

High density closed cell UV resistant PVC foam sealing tape, self adhesive on one side. Available in grey. Ideal for bedding perspex windows, aluminium frames, etc. Easier and cleaner to apply and just as effective as mastic but with the advantage that if you need to take things apart again they come apart easily. Watertight when compressed by 30%.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

All Dragonflies have butyl sealant on their windows and hatches from new. It seams to work fine.

 

[zambant]

Arbo BR - used it for years. No UV problem. Good enough for lifeboat windows then good enough for me

 

[Boathook]

Houdini recommend arbomast br for fixing their windows as well. I also use it for all fittings now.