I ditched my frames and attached new windows directly to the fiberglass using vhb tape and Dow 795. This was over 5 years ago and they have not leaked a drop.. The method is described here: https://www.boatworkstoday.com/videos/installing-new-fixed-portlights/ and here: https://www.thecoastalpassage.com/windows.html Henry Monita On Sat, Mar 27, 2021, 11:33 AM Rob Bultman <rob.bultman@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello Folks,
I have a leaky port window on my 1977 M17. These windows have the two-part aluminum frame with the exterior frame holding the "glass" and an inner frame which screws into the exterior frame from the inside, holding the window in place.
I managed to get the window out of the hull and the "glass" out of the frame. The window glazing that holds the glass to the frame is very brittle and in one location completely gone. The exterior frame that holds the glass has a single cut in the frame that allowed the window to be removed with a little force applied to open frame.
I'm looking for a replacement for the window glazing. Is there a recommended source for this? Would something like this work?
https://www.amazon.com/Gray-Glazing-Vinyl-Glass-Thickness/dp/B00O8ZUM6K?th=1
I also saw this kit from Catalina.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-25/hatches-ports/gasket...
If the glazing is not a watertight seal and some sealant is still required, I don't know how I could seal it without making a huge mess, given that the window frame is a single piece with the one slit.
At this point I'd like to retain the original aluminum frames and window, but I'm open to suggestions. I've seen the replacement project on Audasea on the photo site. I saw another (non-M boat) where spacers were used to push the window away from the outer edge and butyl caulk used as glazing and sealant in the space created by the spaces. (I think the spacers were temporary.)
Thanks in advance for responses.
Regards, Rob M17 FIN