Prepare to be amazed
That looks just crazy enough to work…
Simple enough test. The only problem is the seal may exhibit different results when installed in its intended position with curvature of cabin top sides.
[quote=rafontaine1 post_id=55917 time=1704570962 user_id=152]
Simple enough test. The only problem is the seal may exhibit different results when installed in its intended position with curvature of cabin top sides.
[/quote]
Yep. You are absolutely correct. But it does confirm the seal is good prior to the next step. There is about an inch of radius in the frame bend around the boat. This is the forward most of the two frames. The aft frame is a flush fit so that one is easier.
I installed yesterday and, thankfully, still holding.
However I patterned today for a surface mount single sheet replacement for all of my fixed ports. One sheet either side. The frame design in my 1986 vintage boat is just a pain and I would like to eliminate one of the two seals on each port. As you point out, the glass to frame seal (what I was testing) is subject to stress simply as a result of installing it. I feel like a surface mount would be significantly more reliable over time.
[quote=rafontaine1 post_id=55917 time=1704570962 user_id=152]
Simple enough test. The only problem is the seal may exhibit different results when installed in its intended position with curvature of cabin top sides.
[/quote]
Rich, as much as it pains me to admit it, you were right. I did not want to remove the glass from the frame which is a major step and would required new glass, so I did a spot fix with silicone. I knew this was sort of a hail mary but it survived the pictured leak test. When I got it installed it also passed the hose spray test. However, several days later a rainstorm came through and it did not survive. It was not gushing but I saw a drip onto the settee… so that was that.
I planned to move on to a surface mount solution if i could not get an easy fix. That is what I did.
Here is a picture of the new Stbd portlights same on Port side. I am really pleased with them. The more difficult part of the job was what to do about the very rough cutouts hidden below the aluminum frame of the old ports.
I purchased an industrial sewing machine a while back and have been doing canvas projects so I thought I would try to build some vinyl fabric inserts to address the ugly cut outs without having to do a carpentry project. Here is a picture of the first port I did. I am pretty happy with it.
Mike
Nice job. Looks professional. How did you secure glass? Adhesive tape?
[quote=rafontaine1 post_id=56009 time=1708015987 user_id=152]
Mike
Nice job. Looks professional. How did you secure glass? Adhesive tape?
[/quote]
Yes, I used black VHB but it turns out I could have used whatever color. I wound up painting the back of the acrylic where it overlapped the white cabintop so the tape and 795 sealant is hidden. I used a grippy black spray paint which reportedly does not impact the security of the VHB I guess time will tell on that. I tried to squish as much 795 as I could between glass and hull. I managed to get a layer from 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide around the circumference of the port (based on garage testing with a clear piece of acrylic VHB taped to same).
I did have two different VHB tapes but decided to use the thicker of the two after I did some testing and realized the thin tape would not allow me to get much 795 in the gap between window and hull.
One thing that surprised me was the added size of the transparent window area. A big difference.
Been through a series of weather events with lots of rain and no leakage. That was a relief.
Also, for whoever may be reading this, I now have four excess port frames for a Freedom 30 ( two port, two starboard) in reasonably good condition including the interior metal frames which screw onto the frame attached to the hull. They will need new glass. I will give these to anyone who is willing to pay postage for shipping. I plan to recycle them in a few weeks if no one is interested.
Hi Mike, sorry but I don’t see any pics on this forum thread.
I’m new to it, don’t know how old were your posts.
I own a F39PH and think of replacing the problematic windows design (leaking) by external surface mounted polycarbonate panels - but then it would look ugly inside, that’s another story. Any help with the pictures? In case, here is my emaill : patrick@leblanc.pl (I’m french).
Thanks !
Patrick, I sent you the photos via email.
Thanks Mike, very kind of you.
You’ve done an excellent job ! I hope I will have the nerve to apply your method on my pilot house windows … When winter is over.