Side windows on 42 DS

[franklin1]

My "Eye" shaped windows on both sides of my 2007 SO 42DS have started to fail after 11 years in the UV intense Med.

The black paint that creates the decorative edging is powdery and rubbing off and probably as a consequence the adhesive seal attaching the windows to the boat has failed in a couple of positions on two of the windows. I plan on having all the windows removed and re-fixed on the basis that the other two windows will likely fail some time soon.

My question is this:- I have two different quality yacht engineering companies in Turkey who are suggesting two different methods of re - fixing the glass.

One states that the modern way is not to paint the outside but to apply Sikaflex black primer to the underside (to bond and to create the black decorative edging by carefully masking the shape in the primer). They will remove all paint from the outside and state the appearance will be as original. They say that any paint sprayed outside will simply deteriorate over time again.

The second company also state the black primer must be applied to the inside of the glass to create a strong bond but that the black edging needs to be resprayed on the outside to maintain the original window's appearance.

can anyone advise which method is the right method - thanks

[Tafika II]

Here's what I did. There are a great many threads on this subject. You need an opaque surround edge, whether painted or as vinyl decal to reduce UV degradation of the bonding agents. That's what it is there for. It is not decorative only.
Hints & Tips

[franklin1]

Thanks Brent for the promt reply and info.

I have already carried out a similar temporary repair to the surface (without removing the glass which is holding up ok) but your detail about the preparation is invaluable which I am sure would extend the life of a non-removal repair.

I'll soak up any further feedback before I decide to remove the glass and re-seat or follow your solution.

Thanks again

[ianqv]

Follow this repair for leaking windows.
I have done similar on my SO 37. Fixed it straight away!

www.jeanneau-owners.com/hintsandtips/so42dswindows.html

[NZL50505]

I presume this would work on a 50DS too?

[Tafika II]

Should work but some of the earlier year DS50 have a polished aluminum trim around the windows, so I don't know how that works.

[mersailor]

Hi All,

We also need to do our side windows this spring. What are your experiences 2+ years after the repair? Would you do anything differently today?

Best wishes 
Sibylle

[Tafika II]

No leaks or degradation.

[mersailor]

For future reference in case anybody is thinking of removing or replacing the windows:

I asked our local dealer (Austria) about the price for the window panes, in case they break on removal. He enquired with Jeanneau and came back with the following information:

The two panels for the portside window cost €790 + VAT, transport costs are around €122

For starboard, the rear pane is no longer available, as the manufacturer went out of business. I expect the portside panes will run out of stock as well. It's unlikely that they have different manufacturers for port and starboard.

The dealer also gave us the price for the two large window panes in front of the mast:

€1,348 + VAT + transport at around €200

Portside pane in stock at time of enquiry (November 2022), delivery time for starboard 6 weeks

[allegria]

Hello everyone,

I've recently removed one of my windows as the sealant had failed and used 3M VHB to bed it down.
It was a PITA to remove it as only the sealant that was UV exposed had perished but the top of the window was firmly stuck and it took some persuasion and an oscillating tool to free it.

It's only been a few months but so far so good... it is firmly in place and waterproof.

Good luck for your project and keep us updated...

Cheers,
Allegria

[philipsymonds]

Hello All.

I also have issues with the windows but mine look to be all around the bonded windows, 6 in total. I have done significant research and the posting of buying new replacement windows is correct. Jeanneau no longer supply one of the eye set and the front windows are expensive at £1380 plus VAT and shipping. 

I have spent months asking various manufacturers all over France, UK, Spain and Portugal if they could make a complete set. There were two UK companies who wanted around £2,000 for a complete set but I would need to ship my old windows to use as moulds. The mould tools will be for a one off only and the process would be for 4 weeks in total. So keeping the boat dry during this time is an issue. 

I have however found a manufacturer in Portugal who produce multi use GRP moulds and as my boat is in Portugal they will make the moulds in situ. 

I am waiting for a quote but would like to ask the forum if any one else would be interested in a set. They wouldn't be primed or the Frit black outer edging applied. That seems relatively simple anyway. I believe if we were ordering 10 plus the set would be between £1500 and £2000. 

Do let me know if you are interested

Regards Phil

[MalcolmP]

Realise it is after the event, but on our 39i we have clip on white covers that go over the entire window, whenever we are not on board. They attach with a simple 3M press stud. Most canvas shops could make something similar. So far after 5 years, touch h wood we have no leaks. Malcolm

[rxc]

I consider myself very lucky that the canvasmaker who did my original cockpit enclosure suggested installing exterior screens on our windows. They are a dense mesh fabric that lasted 15 years, and then I had them duplicated locally here. I think that they have kept my window seals from deteriorating, except for the two fwd windows, which have leaked. Those leaks were probably caused mostly by the keel depression and flexing of the cabin top.

And, in addition, I bought an (almost) complete set of new windows from Jeanneau when I bought the boat, because the first owner had cleaned them with a scrubby and they were badly scratched. I don't see the scratches any more, and have a spare set of windows for the day when I will need them.

Oh, and there is a new article in the latest edition of Practical Sailor about replacing these types of windows, with advice about the proper adhesive and tricks. It is an article that I will download and save in my safe.

[captnmoineau]

Hi All,

Has anyone ever tried to reseal the existing windows or you systematically go for a new set? Need to do the side eyebrows..

Regards and fair winds.

[Tafika II]

link