Rebedding leaking windows

[stangc]

1985 E30+ with linking windows. Looking for "how to" help in rebedding the windows.

 

[Pete the Cat]

Either butyl tape or silicone will work. Folks have their preferences. The advantage of silicone (which is what most production boat windows were done with back in the day) is that it seals well and, if you carefully tape before you remove the window, can be cleaned up--but is wicked if you slop it around and it hardens. The advantage of butyl tape is that it never hardens and expands and contracts with the window better to maintain a seal. The problem with butyl is the stuff will expand goo out when it gets hot and needs to be cleaned up--but that is easy. If you get silicone around stuff, it is harder to remove. I always use butyl where there is predictable movement (like hatches and big windows and stanchions) and silicone when windows seem to be in places the boat is not going to flex. I like 4200 3m for windows because it has some adhesive in it, but would never ever use 5200 on anything that might need to be removed in the future. Some folks prefer no adhesive and just use plain marine silicone. You need a silicone that will stand up to UV, so some household ones will not work. FWIW.

 

[bigd14]

You need a silicone that will stand up to UV, so some household ones will not work

Yes, do NOT use the standard silicone caulk for bathrooms and kitchens. The seal fails quickly and leaves a residue that is nearly impossible to remove and worse, doesn’t let anything else stick to it. Dow 795 is the only “silicone” sealant that I am aware of that works well for boat use. I used butyl tape (Bed-It is the only one worth using https://bed-it.com/) for port lights but others prefer sealant- 3M 4200 as Pete the Cat mentioned, or Sikaflex 291 are great, and I think some here use Boat Life. You’ll likely also need to replace the rubber gasket between the window frame and the glass or use Dow 795.

Do a search for leaking port lights there are literally dozens of threads on here about this job. Good luck with it.

 

[stangc]

A search for "Leaking port lights" yielded "No results found". I could use some help in how to remove the metal frame (on the outside of the port light) such that it can be reused.

 

[Prairie Schooner]

Hi Stan (?),

I'm just doing a cut-and-paste of the links which were useful for me when I did this job last year. It's a barely edited data dump with my cryptic notes, but hopefully you'll find something useful.

https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/replacing-fixed-windows-research-

master-thread.9603/
p4 #61- Butyl tape x2 #69- Butyl #70- 3M 4200 #75- yellowing of 4200 #76- Dow 795 & butyl #78- 3M 4000 and new glass vinyl

Non opening portlight gasket

Anyone know where I can get gasket of this cross section? I'm not having much luck searching online. In some cases they don't show a cross section

ericsonyachts.org

Extraction, cleaning, and reinstallation of four fixed ports on 1975 Ericson 25.

I recently removed all four fixed ports on my 1975 Ericson 25, and am preparing to clean and reinstall them after I find new gaskets and possibly modify openings. I recently watched a video of a Catalina owner demonstrating same on his 27, and noticed the window frames appeared to be identical...

ericsonyachts.org

2022 vinyl bead source https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/wanted-vinyl-glazing-for-fixed-ports-3-16-glass.19511/

Replacing rubber seals on main (large) windows/ports [Master Thread]

Still working on our "Never Ending Project" of refurbishing our E-32 Mk II ("CaryOn"). We're currently replacing all of the rubber seals on ALL of the ports. The smaller ones went fairly easy (not really) but the larger ports/windows are a REAL problem on the small hard radius corners. The...

ericsonyachts.org

#1 fixtures for clamping #2 soap for gasket insert lube #7 silicone grease or glycerin lube #9, #10, #13, specific gasket vendors #24, #27, #32 advocates for mechanical removal from molecular level #26 Silicone Solutions remover #29 DeBond and Remov-It worked well

Ericson 34 fixed port lexan replacement

A year ago I had to postpone this project due to a catastrophic knee injurry. Well, the MCL is better than new, the ACL has been replaced, the cartilage trimmed, I'm rehabbed and got onto finally doing the project. The two fixed ports on the port side are out, the frames are apart, the glass...

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Motion Windows: Anyone know of them?

In my quest to refurbish or replace my portlights I came across this company that fabricates marine and RV windows. Does anyone know of them or have any experience with them? I was thinking of sending them dimensions and having them give me a quote on their 1200 or 1250 fixed portlights...

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Tips for removing original portlights

Getting the outside screws out isn't too terrible. But there are two sets of two screws inside of the frame which are a real PITA. The biggest problem is that I can't even get straight access with a screwdriver. The screwdriver has to go in at an angle and not have a good fit on the screw...

ericsonyachts.org

#26 cleaning regimen, D795 instead of rubber gaskets, use special tool #34 No butyl, 4200 is too strong, instead 3 choices #35 4200 may damage some plastics

E27 - Confessions on Rebedding Portlights

I thought I’d share my experience of rebedding my portlights on my 1977 Ericson 27. To more or lesser degree all portlights leaked. On the exterior, PO(s) smeared silicone around the frame, and on some cases along the glazing/gasket connection...

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Leaking Portlight

Hi All, Hope everyone is doing well! I wanted to reach out and get some expert advice on how to fix my leaking portlight. About a week ago we got some heavy rain and I noticed a very small drip coming from my portlight. The leak seems to be coming through the area between the glass/acrylic...

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Bomar not rebuildable https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/bomar-opening-port-lights-circa-1985.11670/

E32-3 - Portlights and Veneer

The opening ports on Thelonious were by Bomar. They were mechanically sound, but the lenses looked like Lebowski had dropped a bowling ball on them. In addition to cracks and crazes, they were fogged. Bomar lenses, unfortunately, cannot be...

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2005 paint frames veneer etc. https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/opening-portlight-removal-and-replacement.2502/

Re-sealing E32-2 Portlights

I hope you all will bear with me... There are many threads on this site on this subject, and I've been involved with them. Also, most of the info gleaned from those threads have been immensely helpful. If this info is way old news, my apologies, and disregard! I was describing the...

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2008-9 caulk v butyl

Veneer Removal / Repainting

We have gotten to the point of digging the fogged plastic lenses out of the aluminum frames. We removed the frames because they held the laminate to the cabin side. The flange goes through the cabin side from the inside out, with an aluminum piece that matches all around the flange on the...

ericsonyachts.org

mostly cosmetic

Window / Portlight repair or replace

On my 1972 35-2 the portlights were leaking, and faced with the choice of seeking out the leak or pulling the portlights (boat windows) and repairing, or buying new portlights, I chose to pull and repair the portlights. To replace was gonna be around $3,200, while reseating and repairing under...

ericsonyachts.org

#1- Smooth-On 01022 A4 Metalset

portlight repair gasket

Does anyone know where to get a gasket that fits between the glass and frame for a fixed portlight an a Ericson 35.Iwill be repairing a leaking window soon . Any suggestions greatly appreciated:confused:

ericsonyachts.org

Portlight gaskets

Hi, I have one portlight on my E35-2 1978 leaking through the gasket around the glass. Any suggestions for a supplier? Thanks Chris Cook

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link for gasket co

Portlite sealing

I have a small leak in one of my Lewmar portlites and have removed it to reseal it. I am very reluctant to remove the two small screws, separate the frame and remove the glass and gasket, I fear I will not be able to get humpty dumpty back together again. Much to my surprise, I was able to...

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Lewmar Port Gaskets

Greetings All, I have been tracking down replacement gaskets for my Lewmar operating ports. I've talked to a couple of Lewmar retailers who ended up referring me to Lewmar to work out the size I need. After going around with them I am informed that Lewmar made a custom size port for...

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E27 portlight removal and re-install with new seals.

Hi everyone! I am sure somewhere back in time this has been covered. I am new on here and we just got an E27. The portlights have corrosion and have been dripping for quite some time. I have seen conversation on just about every model but the 27 specifically. The owner's manual says they are...

ericsonyachts.org

Heat and Alcohol for sealant cleanup, esp when uncured

PORTLIGHT GLAZING VINYL

C.R. Laurence CRL Glazing Vinyl; 11/32" Channel Depth 9/32" Metal Opening for 3/16" Glass - 100 ft Roll | D752C

CRL Glazing Vinyl; 11/32" Channel Depth 9/32" Metal Opening for 3/16" Glass - 100 ft Roll, D752C, C.R. Laurence

www.technologylk.com

Aluminum Window Reseal Kit C-30, C-36

Catalina Direct, publishers of the Catalina 22 and Catalina 25 Owner's Handbooks and the largest supplier of parts and Lewmar winches for Catalina Yachts in the country

www.catalinadirect.com

CUSTOM NEW PORTLIGHTS

http://www.bomon.com/EN_win_fixed.html

If you're new-ish to the site, you might find @ChristianWilliams master thread list helpful. I couldn't find it just now, but someone will be able to direct you to it.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

[peaman]

I could use some help in how to remove the metal frame (on the outside of the port light) such that it can be reused.

Time and pressure, and maybe a bit of heat or Anti-Bond will help to release the frames from the hull. This post might provide some insights, as well.

 

[bigd14]

If the port lights are currently bedded with 4200 or God forbid, 5200, Marine Formula Debond is the magical elixir. I find it intolerable to breath so take a good respirator if you use it.

I have had good luck using a straight blade on an oscillating tool to cut through the sealant but be sure to protect the cabin side from scratches.

 

[mjsouleman]

[B][FONT=arial][SIZE=3]Prairie Schooner[/SIZE][/FONT][/B] gave you all the information you want to decide on what to replace and how to replace.​

I did this several years ago and it was a slog. If I were to do it again, I would replace the current glass and frame with lexan.
The effort, time, and sweat just is not worth the price in my opinion, not to mention that the windows will leak again later.

 

[Christian Williams]

Replacing Fixed Ports (Windows): https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/replacing-fixed-windows-research-master-thread.9603/
Replacing gaskets on Fixed Ports (Windows): https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/thread...main-large-windows-ports-master-thread.13578/

 

[reginaldobaker]

The “quick hacky” option that “might work” could also be to just reseal the exterior trim. Did this over the summer with sikaflex and have had a drip free year so far.

a lot of this might depend on how much the legacy, interior frame sealant has held up. In my case it was maybe between 90-95% functional (the previous leaks weren’t gushing).

I can only recommend this if one doesn’t want to deal with the whole remove and rebed steps for fixed ports. But if it last a few years it’s pretty quick to do - in comparison. Your mileage may vary!

I justify this method by there being, what appeared to be a, “superficial” exterior caulk layer anyway. With some care and good taping it turned out neat.

use your discretion as this method is not one-size-fits-all; I chose to remove and properly recaulk the foreword hatch.

 

[vanilladuck]

Re: Dow 795, I'm getting closer to bedding new portlights on Rumour. When I cut out the old portlights, most of them were bedded with silicone, at least one of them looked like it was rebedded with something like Sikiflex. From what I know of silicone, it penetrates and cures to the gelcoat on the outside of the boat and is very difficult to remove entirely (even if you can't actually see it). Do I need to remove it entirely before using Dow 795?

If so, will Anti-bond or Marine Formula Debond work to remove the silicone I can't see?

 

[Kenneth K]

If so, will Anti-bond or Marine Formula Debond work to remove the silicone I can't see?

I don't know the actual answer, and I've not yet done a window/port replacement. What I've always read is that silicone seeps into the gelcoat so that nothing else will bond well to the gelcoat in that area--it can't bond to the silicone that soaked in. I have no idea how deep this seepage can actually penetrate the gelcoat, but I'd probably feel better rough-sanding (60 grit) the gelcoat rather then using de-bond. You could sand all the way to the fiberglass. But even if you didn't, sanding will remove some of the slick silicone layer and the added roughness will give the next sealant something to grip onto.

 

[Christian Williams]

I'd say remove as practical but not worry a lot. I don't think adhesion is very important with portlights, the typical caulk acts more like a gasket, and there's a big flange area for coverage. The portlights are held in place (lightly) by the interior frames, but all forces come from outside.

 

[vanilladuck]

That makes sense - thanks Christian and Ken!