Boat window leaks will lower the value of your watercraft. Boats that are of high quality construction still eventually develop leaks because boats are not rigid structures. Boats twist and flex making it possible for water to get in. Sometimes the owner puts caulking around the window frames to try and prevent further leakage. This will make a mess of the boat and it also a waste of time as surface remedies will not fix the problem.
Boat window leaks usually occur when the seal between the window frame and the fiberglass of the boat is broken. Breaks in the seal can be undetectable because they are so tiny. Water can still be drawn into really small cracks and water will continue to leak in. Water may enter at one point and come out somewhere other than the source of the leak.
Aluminum window frames on boats are usually the major source of leaks. Here are some things to look for before you start trying to fix a leak:
• The window frames are all that holds up the flying bridge
• The side decks are weak. The deck and house side pull away from the window frame when you are walking on the side decks.
• The frame is not channelized, but consists of just the frame and glass clamped against the house side with screws.
You have to use non-hardening caulking so that it will move when things expand. You will have to remove the frames, re-bed them and refasten them making sure they do not fit as tightly as when they were first installed.
Use non-hardening silicone epoxy and 3/32” shims so that the frame is not completely flush. Draw the frame tight against the shim and let the caulking set for about a week before pulling out the shims. Once you pull out the shims, fasten things a little more tightly so there is a gasket for the frame to be drawn up against.
Removal
Completely remove the frames and clean all surfaces before you apply the bedding. You can use acetone to make sure it is sufficiently clean. If you notice any corrosion, sand it off.
Bedding Glass
If water is leaking under your windshield, you have to remove the glass and re-bed it. Remove the glass and clean the channel and the frame where the glass sits. It is important to get all debris and corrosion removed so that your efforts are not in vain.
When you are ready to reset the glass, use silicone based window glazing that is specifically designed for this purpose. Use an alcohol based glass cleaner to clean the edges of the glass – Windex will work. Place the window and press it firmly into position so that any excess silicone will be squeezed out. Once it is cured you will trim the excess silicone away with a razor blade.
Go to the exterior and place shims under the bottom edge of the glass so that it will not rest on the bottom of the frame. That way if the frame moves, it should not affect the glass. Allow the bedding to set overnight and then you can apply the final glazing to the exterior. Snap-in exterior moldings should not be put on until the next day so that you do not disturb the position of the glass. The idea is to create a free-floating window pane to allow for some movement without resulting in leaks.
For more information on how to deal with boat window leaks, contact Real Seal to speak with their professional staff.
