Window Replacement

[SteveIOW]

After not being disturbed for nearly 50 years I have bitten the bullet and started to remove the aluminum framed perspex windows on my sailing cruiser as they are so badly crazed. I will be fitting new perspex in the existing frames. Have not yet decided what sealant to use between the perspex and the aluminum channel it sits in or the seal between the aluminum frame and the GRP gel coat. For the former I was thinking of PU40, Arbrosil 1096 or Abormasr BR. Which of these is best or is there something better? For the frame onto the GRP gel coat I was thinking of using a Butyl Tape such as Scapa Foam 3507. Is this a good choice or, again, is there something better.

 

[Sailing steve]

Talk to the chap - I forget his name - at Hadlow Marine

Absolute mine of information on the matter of boat windows.

 

[Concerto]

Be careful when removing your old frames. They are probably held in by interscrews, so it is a two person job to remove them. Use a cheese wire to cut the mastic between the frame and the gel coat. This should help reduce the adhesion and stop distorting the alloy frame. Once out you will find the frame is in several parts to allow removal of the perspex. You could use perspex again, but laminated glass will never craze. If you damage any of the interscrews, be aware that Westerly always used chrome plated brass, not stainless steel, to avoid electolysis. These are almost impossible to find now, so use a barrier cream like Duralac for protection. My prefered sealant is butyl rubber as this is non-setting and not an adhesive. Also it is easy to clean up using a sharp knife to cut away any excess and a final wipe down with white spirit.

 

[Bristolfashion]

There is extremely good information on the Eagle Boat Windows website.

After much reading & consultation, we decided to get Eagle to repair/ reseal the glazed units themselves, with us doing the removal & refitting. Prices were not unreasonable and the service has been excellent.

Eagle recommend a particular butyl for the frame / GRP seal.

You will undoubtedly lose a screw & bush or two.

 

[Graham376]

I used Arbosil 1096 when reglazing our ally frames with acrylic, no leaks after about 12 years. Used Weatherseal foam tape between coachroof and frames.

 

[Caladh]

There is extremely good information on the Eagle Boat Windows website.

After much reading & consultation, we decided to get Eagle to repair/ reseal the glazed units themselves, with us doing the removal & refitting. Prices were not unreasonable and the service has been excellent.

Eagle recommend a particular butyl for the frame / GRP seal.

You will undoubtedly lose a screw & bush or two.

Likewise, I used Eagle last winter and had excellent advice and then had them service our port light windows.