redoing leaking windows

[IanC]

I have some leaking windows in my Colvic 28ft Traveller - they are, I guess some sort of aluminium frame - the glass has a sign on it saying SouthMinster Aluminium Essex.

It is my intention to try and do a good job this time (I have already tried to stop them leaking before with a bead of that silcone stuff). I thought I should take the frames out (one by one) - then I have some questions:

1. Can I take the frames apart and get the glass out?

2. What should I set the glass back in the frame using?

3. When I put the frame back in the boat what should I use to seal the frames to the boat. (I read somewhere about using neoprene - has anyone any thoughts about that and where would I get it - is it better than the stuff in a tube?)

4. Talking about the stuff in a tube - Silkaflex - which sort should I be using for this job.

5. A couple of the little screws are broken that hold the window in - they screw from the outside of the boat onto what looks like a domed rivet thingy inside - where can I get some replacements and what sort of metal should they be?

Any advice would be welcome. By the way - the boat is mainly used on inland waterways (Thorne Cruising Club - not far from Doncaster) with a couple of cruises each year down the Humber to Hull. I am looking forward to hearing some good advice

thanks

IanC



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[dickh]

Try contacting a local marine window manufacturer for a 'kit' to redo your windows. I have used a firm in Norfolk who supplied the correct mastic, new rubber spacers and replacement 'Interscrews' for fixing the window to the grp. The frames will probably be fixed to the grp with these interscrews, remove them all and you should be able to prise the frame from the grp. run a sharp knife around to break the seal and VERY gently prise out the frame - take it easy as it is easy to damage the aluminium frame. Once on the bench, you will find two joints in the frame and adjacent will be screws to dismantle them completely.
It is a messy job, I was lucky in that I watched some being refurbished, so I knew what to expect, even so I took an evening to do one frame.
Interscrews come in two lengths and are stainless steel and chromed brass, get plenty as you will find several will be corroded when you remove them.
The other way is to remove the windows and get the windows resealed and all you have to do is refit them.
I used Seaglaze on Tel 01603 720745 - I found them helpful.

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I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[dignity]

I've just re-furbished my windows in my Freeman 33, took out all screws holding frame in, ran a sharp knife between frame and fibreglass (this takes time) I placed 4 wedges a all corners of window and gently eased the window out, be very careful to apply equal pressure other you will jarr the frame.

Once out the frame will be held together by aluminium corner brackets take all screws out (be careful to use the same screws for the same holes. Then cut down every seal with a sharp knife this can be quite time consuming. When all seals are broken gently ease frame apart and found tapping the frame with a rubber mallet was quite effective. Once apart clean old sealant out, wire wool the channels, and then wipe clean with acetone. Each of my windows took 5 hours to reach this stage.

At this point I would recommend cheating and take the windows to a professional I did at least you know it will be a proper job, and a lot neater than you could probably achieve, it wasn't too expensive either after all the hard work has been done by yourself.

I had my done in Newark, but there's also a firm in Skipton called Eagle Windows.

If you need any contact details just contact me.

Hope this was of some help


Paul.

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[IanC]

thanks it helps - what sort of money am I looking at to have them sealed by the professionals - and how long did it take them - and what did you do about security of the boat during that time.

IanC

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[dignity]

Obviously price will vary dependant on windows sizes etc, I ended up paying around 250 for 4 windows, which seems expensive but at least I can get a dry nights sleep. All I did was cut some plywood and self tap into existing holes in fibreglass and then taped round the edges. It took aprx 5 days for the windows to be refurbished.

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[Rubberman]

Try talking to Seals + Direct. They are able to supply all the replacement seals for windows.

Tel 01425 280415
www.sealsplusdirect.co.uk

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