Association Forum - Portlight removal revisited

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Portlight removal revisited

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/05/2004 : 18:09:48

I was trying to disassemble my portlights on the port side as they leak pretty bad and the inner liner has separated from the cabin. I've gotten the inside aluminum frames off and the rubber/vinyl channel out, but it appears the outside aluminum frames and glass have been "glued" in placed by what looks like "silly putty" to me. It's gray and hard as a rock. A chisel barely scratched it. MarineTex maybe? From what I can see, there isn't any extensive rot to the core, but unless I get this sealed correctly there will be.
Is there a "correct" way to remove this stuff, or do I just go at it with a grinder? Whoever put this stuff in there made a real mess of it too, as it weaped out all over the outside around the frame and seals.
Also, I'm going to have to replace the liner in that area as it is cracked where it bubbled. What is this stuff made of?
As always, thanks.

Rick

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 12/06/2004 : 08:06:33

The gray sealant used on the outside of the window frames is the bedding compound used at the Catalina factory, but I am surprised that it has hardened on your boat; I thought this stuff was supposed to stay flexible, like plumber's putty or silicone. The leaking in your windows is almost certainly coming from the inside of the window frame, around the glass, NOT the exterior of the aluminum frame. I should not be necessary to completely remove the exterior aluminum frame from the cabin, unless you are certain that they are leaking on the exterior surface. The Catalina factory can send you a written instruction sheet on how to reseal these windows, and Catalina Direct can supply a kit with the vinyl glazing chanel and correct sealant.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/06/2004 : 23:09:50

Rick,

I feel your pain. My PO used globs of silicone inside and out on my portlights (and they still leaked.) If it's that hard it does sound like MarineTex. I don't know how you'd ever get it all off without damaging the frames. Are new frames available? Is there a window upgrade kit? If so, I'd break out the glass and grind off the old frames.
If you have a heat lamp you might see if that will soften the caulk. <font color="red">Be careful not to overheat and damage surrounding gelcoat though.</font id="red">

Edited by - OJ on 12/06/2004 23:10:34

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.