Leaking windows

[seacat]

We have perspex or acrylic windows secured to the coachroof with some sort of mastic sealant plus nuts and bolts. But the rain leaks in.

Any ideas on fixing the problem? If rebedding, what sealant is recommended that will stick to the 'glass' and the boat? If not rebedding, what can be done that works?

 

[Talbot]

There is a special version of Sikaflex that is designed for this as it has better UV inhibitors than normal sika - go to their web site and check it out.

 

[Shakey]

If you need a temporary repair, try Plumbers' Mate.

It is waterproof and doesn't set / harden / go off.

 

[garvellachs]

We've used the special black sikaflex - expensive and very messy but it worked with bolts. If I did it again I would use neoprene foam strips which others say work well and are going to be much neater I'd say? Something to plan - think how to deal with any gel coat visible under smoked/tinted windows but not covered by the seal - it can look untidy unless painted black or similar. Other things to look out for: coachroof may flex somewhat with the loads imposed by sailing, and dark plastic windows expand in the sun more than white grp; so bolts and seal need to allow some movement.

 

[LeonF]

Do a search... this has been covered many times, aas recently as the last week. Neoprene tape is best. MAstic is messy and Sikaflex will be a problem if you ever break a window. Neoprene plus interscrews or plain nuts and bolts should solve the problem

 

[Redmond]

Captain Tolleys creeping crack cure worked for us - available in chandlers - and stopped all the leaks

Red

 

[Rubberman]

You definately need a closed cell expanded neoprene tape. See Seals + Direct website at

http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/bbCMS/shopping.asp?intDepartmentId=1

They specialise in this type of product