SO 439. Small leak in hull window

[ohana]

Hi all, we were sailing just off the wind in some reasonably heavy winds yesterday (av 35, gust 45kn) with some awkward seas. I have a SO 439, had only a reefed genoa up and she handled very well. Most of the trip was on starboard run, with steering to suit the large following seas. We had a number of instances where waves caught the stern of the boat pushing the aft quarter hard down into the water as she tried to broach to starboard.

However, on arrival, we found that some salt water had got into the port aft cabin. After investigation and consider g all possibilities, I have come to the conclusion that this ingress must have Ben through the hull window. Certainly the water pressures at some points must have been large, but still not comfortable if this window leaks! Checking the window from the dinghy, it seems solidly in place, with no immediately obvious damage or deterioration to the external seal. 

So - question, has any other owners experienced similar and what was the remedy? 

Does anyone know how jeanneau install these hull windows? I know they are bonded, but are they bonded then external mastic seal applied? the external seal seems very neat mastic type finish

thanks all 

[puravida35]

I have a 2 cabin version which has the aft port storage room instead of the 3rd cabin. The area around the hull window is not covered by any trim so it provides a glimpse of how Jeanneau installs these windows. They appear to have a hard mastic slopped around the window edge overlapping the adjacent hull (not really pretty). I can take a photo of the inside area tomorrow if you think that may be helpful.

Incidentally, a neighboring 44DS (same hull as 439), had a small leak from forward cabin port hull window after a rough passage. They didn’t remove any trim, just squirted some caulk or sealant between trim and window. Externally, they found no sign of damage or leak. I don’t know if that was an effective fix or not… I haven’t seen the owner lately.

[ohana]

Thanks for this - photo would be really helpful.  Are you able to post this or shall I send email address by PM for photo?

BTW heading for remote anchorage at the moment so may lose signal for a day or so!

[puravida35]

I should be able to post pic here. Boat is currently on the hard getting bottom job, but should splash tomorrow.

[puravida35]

Sorry for the delay, bottom job ran longer than anticipated. Here are a couple of photos of the port aft cabin (storage locker in my case) port light installation:





Appears to be sealed with flexible black sealant over a harder mastic.

[ohana]

Hi, thanks for the photos and comments. So would seem the window is first bonded on, then external seal/fair is applied?  My first thought is perhaps only the secondary seal material needs to be redone, but on reflection, if water has got in, the primary bond has also failed at some location to allow water through? 

[puravida35]

May 16, 2022 23:16:14 GMT ohana said:

Hi, thanks for the photos and comments. So would seem the window is first bonded on, then external seal/fair is applied?  My first thought is perhaps only the secondary seal material needs to be redone, but on reflection, if water has got in, the primary bond has also failed at some location to allow water through? 

I wish I knew what it looked like before the flexible stuff was applied.

My boat neighbor that had a similar leak squeezed some sealant (don’t know the type) into the area around the window perimeter, as best they could without removing any trim. As far as I know, the leak has not returned. But as you say, there may be an issue internally with the bond between window and hard sealant/adhesive.

[Trevor]

Many years ago we had a new SO36i. It was a great boat and when on a long day trip we were heeled to starbaord for most of the trip. I noticed the midships portlight was leaking. When we arrived at the dock I was determined to fix the leak. I remove the inner screws and released the outer aluminium window frame. The sealant that had been applied at the factory had not been applied all around the underside of the frame. I resealed it and never saw that problem again.

It was quite easily resolved.

Regards,

Trevor

[ohana]

Thanks Trevor - like you I had leaking alu framed windows on a past boat, resolved by removing and refitting with fresh sealant. The issue of dealing with bonded windows is new to me, which is why Im seeking knowledge and advice!