Window refitting - Duralac or not?

Bristolfashion

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I'm refitting the window on our boat. The frames are aluminium, the machine screws stainless and the interscrews bushes are bronze (the originals) and stainless (any new ones)

Would you apply Duralac to any of the interfaces?

As ever, thanks for any advice.

P.s. I have Duralac - but if there's a good argument for tef-gel .......
 

VicS

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I'm refitting the window on our boat. The frames are aluminium, the machine screws stainless and the interscrews bushes are bronze (the originals) and stainless (any new ones)

Would you apply Duralac to any of the interfaces?

As ever, thanks for any advice.

P.s. I have Duralac - but if there's a good argument for tef-gel .......
Tef Gel works by waterproofing the joint. It works best on close fitting joints and screw threads.

Duralac is probably too messy for this job.

You could of course follow Vyv's example, removing and refitting the windows many times.
 

noelex

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On dissimilar metals such as these, trying to isolate them as much as possible is good practice in a marine environment. Duralac and Tef Gel work completely differently, but both do a good job. Duralac is better for permanent or rarely removed items, but is very messy and hard to clean up. You may be left with some yellow/green residue that is visible around the windows. It is tenacious stuff. Tef-Gel is probably the better choice for this application. Also be aware that the Duralac formula has changed recently due to concerns about adverse effects on humans. I understand the new stuff is not as effective, but I have not used it.
 

vyv_cox

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You could of course follow Vyv's example, removing and refitting the windows many times.
That is over 30 years of ownership. I never could get them leak free for more than a few months. I then gave up and had them done professionally, which provided the solution. It seems the glass was always too small for the frames. Once they replaced the glass the windows have been leak free for 10 years.
 

rogerthebodger

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When I fitted the windows in the wheelhouse of my boat (laminated glass) I wrapped sone foam rubber around the window glass, so it stuck to both sides nd then an extra piece of foam rubber on the covering inner frame, screwing tight

No leaks in 15 years and last year I replace the outer frame with welded in stainless to prevent rusting again fitted glass in the same way and still no leaks
 
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