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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

window leaks

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/21/2004 : 08:43:31

This topic has been batted about a lot so I re approach it with caution. I don't want to belabor the point but I am still having problems with my windows. I have pulled the frames and re caulked only to have them continue to leak.

I'm wondering if it would be better to got to the total retro fit window kit from Catalina direct, or use the vinyl channel replacement.
I know there is a big price difference but the improvement in watertightness and appearance would be great. I would like to hear from those of you who have done both procedures.

I hope you all have a great Holiday, Oscar if you need a crew could you write a note to my Principal so I can get days off from school?
Looking forward to a wonderful new year, wishing all on the forum a safe and enjoyable Holiday.

John V.
Nin Bimash II
Neebish Island, MI
77 C25 sk/sr #153

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 09:30:17

Based on my experience... replace the vinyl channels and you'll be good for another 20 years.

I used 3M 101 to re-bed my window frames rather than the RV putty tape... and put plenty of it on so it got a good 'smoosh' out all around the frames. No leaks.

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 10:35:15

I did one badly leaking window in the past (see archives "windows tra la," as I recall) and I used auto butyl tape on the grounds that some on the site had recommended it. It seals very well, no leaks here in Fla downpurs, but I would not use it again. In the heat here it softens up and gets mushy and starts to change shape and emit droppings. If I do another window, I will return to the tried and true lifeseal or sika or 101. Fair winds, ron #2343 SW FL

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 12:13:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John V.
 

I'm wondering if it would be better to got to the total retro fit window kit from Catalina direct, or use the vinyl channel replacement.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Isn't it Cruising Direct for the windows (and Catalina Direct for the vinyl chanel)? Their ad is in the Mainsheet.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 12:54:56

if you pulled the frames and recaulked probably the only point of leaking now would be cured by putting in the vinyl channel. I did that plus poured windshield sealer on the outside of the glass and no leaks.

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 16:28:25

When I'm ready to cough up the $600 + for the new windows I'm sure I'll find the right distributor Frank. I will have to find vinyl for the Columbia 22 windows, I'm Thinking if the fit is the same I could buy enough vinyl for both boats. Since I'm having the aluminum frames for Gracie's boat "powder coated" perhaps I can do them all at the same time.

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jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 19:02:34

John,

Dear, dear man, don't you know boats are wet? They are designed to get wet outside and inside and Frank Butler intentionally designed the windows to allow water to find its way inside and MAKE A H_LL OF A MESS IN MY CABIN!!!

It's ok, it's ok, I'm all right now.

I have been trying to track down window leaks for four years. Every year I think I have got it, until the rains come in November. Then I find that Neptune has been laughing his A- - off. I pull the dangnabit window off in the summer, replace the strips, shmooy the seams, reinstall and smugly wait....then I go over and find water inside. So I set up my Dri-Z-Air, my fan on the timer to circulate the air and pull my tarp over the whole cabin top.

Fight the fights you can win, I tell myself. And depend on a tarp for those I can't.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
SF Bay (no wind in last 3 weeks)

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 20:02:38

One window I redid leaked MORE after I fixed it!

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2004 : 20:51:27

You know it's really only one window....the same window...I have re-bedded it several times. I think the vinyl is the way for now.

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seads
1st Mate

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USA
90 Posts

Response Posted - 12/22/2004 : 16:23:44

Funny you should ask...I just used the Catalina Direct vinyl channels. It doesn't look totally perfect up close, but so far no leaks. Definitely need two people to do it right, and also a couple of days. With work intervening, it took me about a week to get it all done right.

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 12/22/2004 : 17:15:54

Stewart,

I've got the CD kit for fixing the portlights but haven't done it yet. Why did you need 2 people to do it?

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 12/22/2004 : 18:01:27

Rick - I did one of my windows almost on my own without any problems. The only help was at the very end when you need someone outside to hold the window in perfect position while you lock it down from inside. Until then it's basically one person scut work...
Derek

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seads
1st Mate

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USA
90 Posts

Response Posted - 12/23/2004 : 11:21:15

Rick:

There are a couple of steps (such as wrapping the moulding around the glass and re-placing the completed port back in the cutout on the cabin top) where two sets of hands seemed really critical to make things stay in place. When wrapping the moulding around the glass after the sealant has been squirted into the channel, it helped to have one person wrapping the moulding around while the other person held the already wrapped part on so it didn't fall off.

I guess you could do it alone, but I think it would be more challenging.

Let me know what you think and how it goes.

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