Posted by Ernie Binz, S/V Kohola (67.225.119.154) on February 08, 2003 at 10:17:43:
In Reply to: cal 246 windows posted by jim dehaven on September 18, 2002 at 10:36:51:
: well its time for me to tackle the big windows and all my files and old newsletters are in storage.I wouuld very much appreciate info about sources and experience. If possible your early response would be appreciated as TOUCAN is in the boat yard being completly repainted.
: thanks
: jim dehaven
Just saw your post and wanted to relay our experience. We replaced our windows in the spring of 97. They are cut out of 1/2-in acrylic ond overlap the fiberglass cutouts by 11/2in on top and bottom of the sides and run continuous along the sides. On the front windows each is covered separately with the 11/2in overlap all around. They are bedded with a Dow Corning silicone which is the same product used on high rise building windows. A few small screws were used to hold the acrylic until the sealant was set. After 5 years of use both in the cold of New England and now in the heat of the tropics they have not leaked. Lately the sealant has separated from a small section and was repaired with added sealant forced into the cracks. We considered Lexan but at that time it had been coated with a new material which people were having a tough time getting the sealant to stick to. So far our tinted acrylic has not faded or cracked, even around the screw holes. Of course there is no load on the screws, it is all taken up in the sealant. If you still have questions please e-mail me.