Replacing plastic windows....glue or screw?

[NealB]

The windows on our old Comanche catamaran are original, and are high up the 'to do' list for this winter.

The current windows are screwed down onto sealant.

Is this still the best way of fitting the new replacements, or are there modern adhesive/ sealants available that mean no screws are required?

All windows are flat.

Thanks for any tips..

 

[rob2]

Yeah, that's pretty much the method still used. Make sure you drill the holes in the Perspex a little on the large side so as to allow creep without stressing the material. It helps to put washers on the screws between the window and the coachroof so as to ensure you don't overtighten and squeeze all the sealant out. I like thin nylon washers under the screwheads as well.

Rob.

 

[Mark Taylor]

There is a very good article on the Hunter Sonata website (sonata.org.uk)which shows how to fit windows with just an adhesive, no screws. Article written a number of seasons after the work was done and has proven that glue only is a very viable option.

 

[PetiteFleur]

You can now get special double sided compressible tape to replace the mastic - much neater but forget the name of it........ It has been suggested in the past to use pan head or mushroom head screws which put less stress on the window than countersunk screws. Good suggestion to make the screw holes a bit larger.
These are the people http://hadlo-43547-001.dsvr.co.uk/Pages/seals-bedding.html but others supply the seals

 

[Pleiades]

Window sealing tape

Hi Neal, I suggest that the windows - presuming you are using acrylic or perspex should be secured with small bolts, not screws - through bolt with washers and nuts on the inside where they can be hidden behind a decorative strip of wood which becomes your curtain rail if required. Sealant may do but far better is proper marine window sealing tale. Clean, neat, easy to use and gives a very professional finish. Drill the holes slightly larger than the bolt to prevent cracking and put a tiny blod of clear sealant on the holes brefore you fit the bolt. Try company like this, no connection other than as a satisfied customer - http://hadlo-43547-001.dsvr.co.uk/Pages/seals-bedding.html

Cheers,
Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5

 

[NealB]

Thanks for the suggestions and links.

I must say that, having done a bit more googling, I'm tempted to give the 'no screws' approach a try.....anyone want to talk me out of it?

 

[Boo2]

I'm tempted to give the 'no screws' approach a try.....anyone want to talk me out of it?

If it starts to spring in an F10 with waves washing across the boat you'll wish you'd used screws as well..

Boo2

 

[NealB]

If it starts to spring in an F10 with waves washing across the boat you'll wish you'd used screws as well..

Boo2

That's certainly true.......but, looking at the original windows, it's obvious that they have cracked first around where the screws are. So, perhaps, they're more likely to spring with screws than without?

I remember having real problems, on a different boat, trying to remove a skin fitting that had been bonded to the hull with Sikaflex.