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Post by Tom on May 17, 2021 13:11:06 GMT
We have a new to us 2011 45 DS. On that generation deck salon, with the large tear drop or cat's eye windows (technically deadlights), how often do they seem to need rebedding?
I've read some comments about needing to re-do the caulk between the deadlights, but I can't see why that caulk would have caused a leak. Leaking comes from the space between the inner surface of the window and the fiberglass. Yes, the caulk around the edges does degrade, but not what's really sealing the windows in. Thoughts?
Tom, Alchemyst, 45 DS, #312, 2011
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Post by Tafika II on May 17, 2021 15:49:41 GMT
On the side & cabin front windows, there is a solid to dot-matrix black protective paint covering around the surrounds of each window. They are there to protect the caulking (in most cases Silkaflex) from UV degradation. Over time these protective painted strips also deteriorate, exposing the caulk to UV. Over the years, the caulking fails, and leaks occur. As to the center caulking, this again is Sikaflex and is exposed without protection. The caulking will start to separate from the acyclic windows, crack, and sometimes begin falling out. The center caulk is not usually the cause of water egress, but you need to pay attention & replace it when it gets too bad. Our boat is 2008 SO42DS. I replaced the caulking on the starboard side, but the front and port side remain OK without leaks. We do cover these windows with snap-on covers of TEXTILINE 90 for added protection.
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Post by NZL50505 on Jun 4, 2021 1:39:20 GMT
I have leaking through one of my large port saloon windows and also my ‘windscreen’ sloped windows. The sealant visible around the outside edges looks a bit tired in places and so my question is would it be sufficient to remove this old sealant, clean up and replace with new - without removing the windows and re-bedding them themselves? From what I can see the UV protective black areas around the edges look in reasonable condition so is it fair to assume the bedding underneath also OK?
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Post by Tom on Jun 6, 2021 0:57:06 GMT
We don't have leaks from the large deck top windows or the side ones. However, the sealant between the side windows was clearly in need of replacement - it was pealing away, dried up etc. I used a putty knife to pry it out- and it came out on both sides very easily. On both sides there were clearly voids and the underlying gelcoat seemed to have never seen the sealant in a couple of areas. I then applied tape along the windows to avoid making a big mess. Then I used a caulk gun with the Sikaflex material (295UV) followed by my finger to really pack it in to the space. Then I put a second bead down, and tried to "sculpt" it into a nice shape, only partly successful. But once cured (two days), it actually looked pretty good.
Tom, Alchemyst, 45DS #312
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