sealing salon windows on 43 DCMY

[Bill Root]

What is the best material to use to deal with some minor leaks around the tops of the outside frames on the salon windows on my 43 DCMY? The salon windows and frames were removed, re-painted and completely resealed four years ago. The frame to cabin joint is tight, but shows some small hairline cracks, which is apparently how the water is entering. I've looked at the spec for Boatlife caulk, sealant and liquid and I'm a bit confused which would be best fro this application since the cracks are so small. Or is there another better product?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Bill

 

[bobk]

Guys, please don't jump all over me for this, but I have used Cap'n Tulleys Creeping Crack Cure for things like this on my trawler's teak window frames. Others that I recommended it to have also had luck. It penetrates fine cracks quite well.

Bob

 

[REBrueckner]

I tried some creeping crack sealer without luck...

I believe there is usually dirt accumulation in cracks and that prevents additional caulk from sealing properly...The only way I've had any luck is to take a hacksaw or other thin blade, cut between the window frame and cabinside to remove old caulk and dirt, flush with acetone, then press in new fresh caulk...

It seems like the aluminum windiow frames and fiberglass cabinsides expand and contract at different rates or else they work when the boat is in heavy seas...in any case, that joint seems to be problem area...cracks seem to reappear...

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks for the tips. I'm getting my money's worth out of this web site.

Bill

 

[CaptnRick]

Ok Bill,

Captnrick again. Use 5200 to seal the cracks. However do not ever plan on removing this stuff. I used blue painter's tape and ran a frame of it around the window frames so that the max width of the coating was no more than 1/4" wide. Remove the blue painters tape quickly or else you will have a permanent blue stripe aka painters tape if the 5200 seals it down. If you make a mess - use Goof off to remove the excess.

It worked like a charm for me.

CaptnRick

 

[chuck@waterwaysystems.com]

3M has great products. You might want to try 4200 or their premium 4000 series. Both have more UV inhibitors than 5200. This means that over time they will not turn as yellow as 5200. They are also slightly less permanent than 5200.