windows

[jolabeach]

hi have a MK3 with single windows . would like any input into window replacement. i think after the weekends storm they could be leaking. i could go crazy with silicone or replace the windows with perspect thro bolted and sealed. as i have done on previous boats. has anyone out there had this predictament and what did you do. i might be just jumping the gun as it was one hell of a rain storm event and anything could leak in that. cheers rob

[Troppo]

Rob, you are in luck! I have a Mk II and just done the windows. You can read about it here http://www.tophatyachts.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1766 I am not saying what I did is the best way but it is a way.

With the MkIII windows being bigger, I am not sure how much curve there is in the windows and whether that makes it harder to put on if you use the no-screws approach that I did.

Please note: the windows expand and contract quite a bit in the heat so they need a THICK layer of the right sort of sealant to handle that change without breaking the seal. On my size windows the gap was 3 mm. Too many people make the mistake of just using ordinary plumber's silicon and screwing the window hard against the boat. This will leak. That was how my boat windows had been done in the past and leaking has always been a problem.

If you use screws, you still use some spacers to give you the right size gap.

troppo

[jolabeach]

thanks for the advise. sort of thinking as you stated that due to the size of the window i might have to thru nut and bolt them with spacers. will check with the numerous boat building books i have collected. i just hate leaks.thanks again