Resealing old cabin windows

[lilmaiden]

​I have a 1984 Formula 25' SC Express and the windows along the cabin need to be resealed.


I am not sure where to find this screw cover trim, or if it's even available anymore.


The aluminum frame is looking a little rough and separating here, but I think it might be salvageable with some rebedding. What do you think? ​Fortunately there's not much water coming in. At the corners in the interior, the frame is a lil corroded and some small staining, but the fiberglass under the carpeting seems solid.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

I found some seals for my 83 searay260 with similar ( but different windows ) that came from Taylor Made -- If your mfg can tell you who made them and the model its possible the MFG may have them. Here is a link for Taylor made. They will send samples if you think any of those will work. http://www.taylormarine.com/hardware/parts/sswAssemblies/index.html

 

[lilmaiden]

Thank you! I was actually looking on that site earlier, but I was kind of confused on whether or not those were the right ones. Did you take your windows out and rebed entirely?

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

I did pull 1 window that turned out to have some cracked gelcoat that had pulled loose creating a small leak -- probably caused from expansion & contraction and older hardened caulking. Not to hard lots of screws / resealed with 3M 4200 uv -- used a good portion of a 10oz tube . Lacquer thinner will help remove any excess seepout or mishaps with caulking on your hull.


After taking a second look -- It appears you have rubber seals between the hull and window. It also appears that the window gap to the hull s not consistent. If thats' pulling away or moving then a leak is not surprising as most rubbers loose their ability to spring back to thier original shape after being compressed for extended periods . Stabilizing that movement would be key to any repair. Hopefully no r

I would imagine that their are lots of choices in adhesive backed rubber seals if you can determine the proper dimension needed. Search weather stripping at big box stores or industrial suppliers like Mcmaster-carr. You may be better off with solid rubber vs a foam rubber if that's what was in place originally -- And you may be able to use a good caulking in place of the seal.

I should have also mentioned that if your booat was MFG by Brunswick Talyor made will want you to order through a dealer -- If the window is not on a brunswick product you can order directly.

 

[Corjen1]

Might want to check this out....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQyjxVUskd8

 

[bigblock454]

Are the fasteners easy to get too? I'm far from an expert on the matter, so take their experience over mine (just a DIY'er), but I would remove the window, straighten anything that's bent, then reseal it, maybe even without a factory seal/gasket. I maybe doing similar on my recent acquisition, so I'll be following along!

 

[lilmaiden]

I should have also mentioned that if your booat was MFG by Brunswick Talyor made will want you to order through a dealer -- If the window is not on a brunswick product you can order directly.

How do I find this out? Is it just by locating some stamping on the frame? I'm feeling a lot more confident after your advice, thank you. I haven't been able to find someone working on windows that are similar and am not sure how universal window repair is.

Corjen1 I just watched almost all his videos! He definitely knows what he's doing and I learned a lot. I will be referencing him when I tackle all the crazing I've got on the deck.

bigblock454 I'm just a DIYer myself. Under that outside trim is about a million screws. I'm hoping that its just those and maybe a few interior that are holding it together since that wouldnt be too hard.

I'm going to try and find the trims and seals I need and if I'm lucky a post or video of someone rebedding an aluminum frame with sliding windows like mine just to boost my confidence a little more. The last boat I had was completely rotted from water intrusion and I'm very hesitant on opening up such a large area without being sure of what I'm doing.

 

[bigblock454]

I bet if you do wind up opening her up, even with nothing to "guide" you... it will go back together... better than it is now,,, and more than likely better than she left the factory! I'm "feeling you" though. It's nice to have the experience of others to lean on before tackling such a big piece, but it's "just a window", right?? Start removing fasteners, pry (gently) and see what's moving, or more importantly, what's NOT moving. Find out if it's just some stubborn adhesive (some pressure with the help of a putty knife), or a hidden fastener. I'm guessing you have "kitty hair" or similar over your interior walls. I suppose there could be fasteners behind the fabric, but for the most part, I've seen MOST fasteners are exposed. If they ARE hidden behind fabric, you can either feel for them and make a little incision with a razor blade, do your work and glue the "scar" back together, or start peeling back the fabric from the wall, do your work and glue it back up when finished. Remember, you boat was put together by human beings. It WILL come apart. You can and will get her back together again, and it WILL be better! After all... you actually CARE about your boat. and not just collecting your paycheck for slapping her together. I think you already realize that this is not something that you are going to do a good job with by just squeezing some sealant around it and praying (or you wouldn't be here). Unless it's just a screw that is missing or loose from the outside allowing water to find its way in, I'd take a deep breath, turn on some soothing music (cabins are nice aren't they) and become one with your boat. Grab a tarp to throw over her if your worried about not finishing her in an afternoon. I'm certain that you can do this, even if the factory seals aren't available. Today's sealants and adhesives are MUCH better than anything that was around in 1984. Take some pics of the area that has you stumped. Better yet share your experience with all here! Some will help... others will learn! Good luck mate, Will follow along.

Norm

 

[bigblock454]

BTW that is a great video posted by Corjen1. As you mentioned, you viewed it. Notice that even on that "high dollar" yacht, he did it with readily available sealant (tape), and not any "factory" gaskets or seals. The hardest part with any of our projects is removing that first fastener and breaking that seal... "the point of no return". The sooner you get to that point, the sooner you will be "into it" and your boat will reveal herself and all that she needs. If the alum got pulled away (like my rubrails did), gently bend it back into shape, once removed and TEST FIT. I usually use a line of masking tape on the frame and on the boat and draw a line across both pieces of tape while the piece is dry fitted. Then with the tape/adhesive in place, I have something to aim for to keep everything centered. Hope that helps a little.

Norm

 

[lilmaiden]

bigblock454 you have no idea how encouraging and appreciated your posts were. You're totally right, I just need to get in there. Funny thing is, is that I have no problem doing that in the interior. I ripped out the carpet and laid vinyl flooring for the first time, painted old trim (not a wood fan) and am starting to reupholster. All those things I just get in there and sort of feel her out and wing it and it works out. I guess its the the exposure factor and the possibility of ruining the frame that I'm scared of. Just gotta pull the trigger. I emailed Taylor Made to see what info they have, but I think I found the right stuff over at seals direct.

 

[bigblock454]

Good deal... sounds like you have all you need to get started, your head, your hands and a camera phone, so you can share your adventure with us! Her outside isn't much different than her inside. Good luck... I subscribed to keep tabs on you!

Norm

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

LilMaiden
I question / thought

Is the current window pulling away ? Is it possible that their are a few screws that are stripped ?

IF SO -- You could identify that by giving all the screws in question a light tightening BEFORE disassembly).

It does seem that omitting that step & finding that out during assembly could cause a need to pull the window again and waist time & materials

Once its apart you would then know which screw holes need attention & you can study them for options of repair or if your lucky adding larger diameter screws may be all that is needed.

Depending on what you find and whats behind the gelcoat for the screw to thread into -- solid fiberglass -- or perhaps some wet plywood we can help with advice for that also.

 

[lilmaiden]

wellcraft-classic210 The window (at least 1 our of the 2 that I know of for sure) is pulling away at the corner and it looks like the screw close to that area has been wrenched on and possibly stripped. Probably from the PO trying to tighten it and "reseal" that corner. I read here http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Windows.htm that the separation is most likely from the deck being walked on, which is mostly supported by the window frames.

From the looks of it, I'd think these were all factory seals, but I'm new to the game so I'm not certain. I was planning on replacing all the screws since some look corroded and I will definitely pay some extra attention to the screw holes. Any place where water can seep inside is my main focus on her right now and along with these windows it looks like I have a lot, I mean A LOT of crazing around her to deal with.

 

[bigblock454]

Hey lilmaiden... I've been thinking (hard) about a replacement material for your screw covering, as I may need to do something similar. How about a large plastic trash can?? Cheap!! a big rectangular one could be used to cut strips out of, right? I've seen black, blue, tan, green, etc! Then again... maybe the "real" stuff is readily available. Keep us posted!

Norm

 

[bigblock454]

I'm sure you've seen on youtube... PLENTY of "how-to's" on repairing elongated screw holes in fiberglass. I've got a few that I will be addressing also.

Norm

 

[lilmaiden]

Hey Norm, I did find some screw hole trim cover at sealsdirect and Taylor Made (still waiting for a reply). Those are the only places I've looked, and I'm sure its prob available from most the other suppliers. It seems like you just find the right size and pop it in. Easy peasy!

 

[lilmaiden]

Oh, and I actually haven't looked into fixing the holes yet, but YouTube is the first place I'll go! The weather is not in my favor right now and she's in the water so I'm working on the interior until it let's up.

 

[bigblock454]

Good deal... I will definitely be remembering that when it comes time to address mine! Good luck!

Norm