ThomasSkye
New Member
Hi All. I’ve inherited a boat and it needs some work. My first question is, could you point me in the right direction for service kits for Windows? Also, can you service a seacock at sea?
Boat windows.
- Thread starter ThomasSkye
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Tranona
Well-Known Member
Welcome
Need to know more about type of windows, but don't think there is any sort of "service" kit, just understanding how your type are constructed. The only seacocks that can be serviced are Blakes, and while it can be done afloat it is not advisable. If they work leave them alone until you have the boat ashore when you can take them apart and service them. Of ball valves and seized then they probably need replacing as there is nothing to service, although it is sometimes possible to free them.
Need to know more about type of windows, but don't think there is any sort of "service" kit, just understanding how your type are constructed. The only seacocks that can be serviced are Blakes, and while it can be done afloat it is not advisable. If they work leave them alone until you have the boat ashore when you can take them apart and service them. Of ball valves and seized then they probably need replacing as there is nothing to service, although it is sometimes possible to free them.
waynes world
Well-Known Member
As far as i know there isnt any service kits, if seals are bad its a removal and strip down to fit new seals. all seals can be got from Seals Direct and other bits needed. What boat/windows ?
Stemar
Well-Known Member
So much depends on the type of window. Aluminium frames? I had no end of trouble with mine on my old Snapdragon - they were this type, with rubber seals holding the Perspex in an h shaped frame on the outside.
In the end, I cut the frame down to make an l and just used it as a trim, with oversized Perspex drilled to take the bolts. I had, in order from the outside, the trim, neoprene seal from North Seals, Perspex, butyl tape, the cabin side, a thin marine ply trim. The whole was drilled through, with SS countersunk bolts and washers with domed nuts on the inside. I don't reckon it looked bad, and no more leaks!
If the windows are just though-bolted, replace if the plastic is crazed, and seal with butyl tape.
Cut Perspex with a fine blade in a jigsaw at a slow speed. Too fast, and you'll melt it. When drilling fixing holes, use a sharp bit, light pressure and slow speed. Drill oversize for the fixings - Perspex expands more than you'd think!
Sea cocks? I had a mate who'd do 'em in the water, but he knew exactly what he was doing and was a good bit braver than me. The only cocks I can think of that need servicing are the conical Blakes type. I'd happily do them between tides, but not in the water (cowardice rules
)
In the end, I cut the frame down to make an l and just used it as a trim, with oversized Perspex drilled to take the bolts. I had, in order from the outside, the trim, neoprene seal from North Seals, Perspex, butyl tape, the cabin side, a thin marine ply trim. The whole was drilled through, with SS countersunk bolts and washers with domed nuts on the inside. I don't reckon it looked bad, and no more leaks!
If the windows are just though-bolted, replace if the plastic is crazed, and seal with butyl tape.
Cut Perspex with a fine blade in a jigsaw at a slow speed. Too fast, and you'll melt it. When drilling fixing holes, use a sharp bit, light pressure and slow speed. Drill oversize for the fixings - Perspex expands more than you'd think!
Sea cocks? I had a mate who'd do 'em in the water, but he knew exactly what he was doing and was a good bit braver than me. The only cocks I can think of that need servicing are the conical Blakes type. I'd happily do them between tides, but not in the water (cowardice rules
)
Graham376
Well-Known Member
Hatches have service kits but not most types of windows. I've changed seacocks in the water as there's nothing to service unless Blakes type which need doing when dried out. Depending on age, it can be a good idea to also change through hull fittings and tails when changing the sea cocks.
V1701
Well-Known Member
Here's a product that is designed to help you change seacocks whilst afloat, others may be available. Personally I'd lube the moving parts as much as you can whilst they're in place and leave changing them until you haul out. Have suitable sized soft wood bungs at the ready in case anything goes wrong - good practice to have these on bits of string by the fittings themselves at all times. If any are stuck closed and you need them open use penetrating oil, leave overnight & try again, rubber or leather mallet used carefully can help free them...
Neeves
Well-Known Member
Possibly an aside.
Many windows and hatches are made with 2 interconnecting frames, one outside, one inside. One frame will hold the glass/acrylic. The frames are sometimes connected with 'interscrews' also known by a variety of other names such as 'sex bolts'. These are a bolt (very small) that screws into a threaded cylinder which also has a bolt head. The head might take a slotted screwdriver, Alan key or Phiiips head. They are used as they provide a decorative finish and as you tighten them up they will pull toward each other squeezing out any excess sealant.
Interscrews are freely available - but I cannot suggest sources in the UK.
This is a selection of interscrews - they come in all shapes and sizes
Jonathan
Many windows and hatches are made with 2 interconnecting frames, one outside, one inside. One frame will hold the glass/acrylic. The frames are sometimes connected with 'interscrews' also known by a variety of other names such as 'sex bolts'. These are a bolt (very small) that screws into a threaded cylinder which also has a bolt head. The head might take a slotted screwdriver, Alan key or Phiiips head. They are used as they provide a decorative finish and as you tighten them up they will pull toward each other squeezing out any excess sealant.
Interscrews are freely available - but I cannot suggest sources in the UK.
This is a selection of interscrews - they come in all shapes and sizes
Jonathan
coopec
N/A
Are you still with us Thomas?
Can we have more detail about make of boat and type of windows. (I.m surprised you didn't divulge those details in your first post)
Caer Urfa
Well-Known Member
From your questions in all respect you appear new to the boat maintenance world and my strong advice is 'do not' touch/service the sea cocks until the boat is next ashore.
oldharry
Well-Known Member
Agreed. If anything goes wrong trying to do seacocks afloat, its incredibly difficult to stop the inrush of water for long enough to get something organised, usually ashore or from the local chandlery!
ThomasSkye
New Member
thank you! Please see attached picture of the windows.
Also, these are the two seacocks from my toilet. How do I open them? They are seased so not keen on doing it with the boat in the water.
Attachments
ThomasSkye
New Member
Added some info on another message. Sorry, I have no idea what make it is. I’ll take some photos next time I’m there and post. It’s a cabin cruiser day sailer I think.Are you still with us Thomas?
Can we have more detail about make of boat and type of windows. (I.m surprised you didn't divulge those details in your first post)
ThomasSkye
New Member
Thank you!
ThomasSkye
New Member
Thanks for this. I will buying some just to have and maybe wait till the boat is out of the water to service.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Your seacocks are Blakes. Info on servicing here yachtingmonthly.com/gear/servicing-a-blakes-seacocks-73248
The windows will need dismantling to deal with leaks either between the frame and the coachroof or the glass and the frame. while it can be a DIY job many people prefer to remove them and have them overhauled by one of the specialists such as Eagle boat Windows or Hadlow Marine.
