Windows Part 2
The window went on easy enough. Here’s the before and after pics, before I get into the details.
This is my daughter by the way. I removed the old window with a screwdriver, to lever out the rubber and window. I then marked out the position the new window would occupy and put a bead of sealant on the boat where the edge of the window would come. The intention was to leave this to set and then put the window on the next day with another bead of sealant (as given in the seawych owners manual). I duly went home to drill the holes in the windows ready for fitting.
In fact, the next day, after I’d drilled the holes, it turned out that the window was way to far away from the GRP for the screws to reach. Luckily I’d brought a sharp chisel and just cut off most of the previous day’s sealant.
4.3mm holes seemed too big, so I settled for 4mm holes in the GRP to screw into. I’d gone for 80mm spacing between screws exept near the corners. I screwed the window down and marked the outline.
The window was then removed and a good thick bead of sealant placed just inside the marked outline. Now the decisive moment…off with the protective layers on the dark-tinted window, and screw it back on. Not too tight, just enough to squish the sealant a little. Another bead to neaten the edges and that’s how I left it. Next time I go down I’ll tweak up the screws a little.
I love the way it looks. The window appears very dark from outside but from inside it is still quite bright. Will save the other, non-leaky, windows for warmer times.
Issues / Reflections:
I used #10×1/2″ screws. These felt a little short and only gave 2/3 turns of good purchase. 20mm might be better, but may poke through to the inside. I’m glad I didn’t use the 10mm mentioned in the owners manual. With a 5mm window thickness and something for the sealant, that only leaves a few mm in the GRP, and most of that will be taper.
I managed to cover many things with sealant. It’s messy.
I did all this outside in late december, around 4°C with a biting easterly force 5. Just about bearable, but with the window off the cabin there was no where to get out of the wind. Needs must. Just meant I had to work quickly.
Serious Problem?
I have really bad headlining headaches. The front V-berth section is hanging off. I know, thinks I, just put a small hole in the roof, and hold it out the way for now with a self-tapper. One small hole later and it’s dribbling a steady stream of water, thats obviously trapped between the layers of the roof. I sealed around the mast foot in case thats the problem. Any ideas what’s wrong?
