Acrylic Plastic Yacht Window Replacement - Part 2

[@michaeljohnson7601]

Looks beautiful!

[@philgray1023]

Does the sealant contaminate the vhb tape? I know I will need sealant but have concerns about that. The end result is truly impressive.

[@stevefarrow6108]

I was just wondering, as I am contemplating using this method if it's still water tight to this day many thanks.

[@JA50N5]

Yes, absolutely

[@kimberlyjacobsen4148]

Is that chalking UV resistant ? And how well it it holding up ?

[@dolphinliam888]

Good job 👏👍

[@MacDougallIndustries]

Nice! I have to replace my 25' sailboat's windows and while the current window uses gaskets, I'm wondering if this approach isn't the best...

[@DD-lr6ne]

Check out Sikaflex 295 UV.

[@jg2827]

Its also possible with round windows? I have a leisure 17 and like to try this method with 3m vhb, makrolon and sikaflex without screws.

[@visiteavecmoi]

hold on, what about the screws the window is just glue to the boat wth

[@CaptainShack]

VHB tape - Very High Bond Tape is the stuff they use for skyscraper windows.

[@visiteavecmoi]

@@CaptainShack thx

[@gileshammond]

True. I’m about to replace the windows on my Beneteau 37. There are no fixing on that and 1000s of them have done ocean crossings and some serious weather sailing. Must be ok. Also, I would spend a bit more money on a higher quality masking tape (always found Frog tape good) and I plan on using a couple of glass suckers on the inside at each end of the panel with a bit of rope tied across to the other side to keep a bit of pressure on while drying as there is a bit of a bend on mine. Not sure I would have done the job when it was threatening to rain, I was nervous watching that!

[@philgray1023]

​​@@gileshammondWhat a top idea about the suction device. I actually had forgotten that I had one until you mentioned it. They are very cheap and I use it for holding onto the outside of the boat when using my dinghy to do hull polishing. 100% on the Frog tape. This is not a job to skimp on.

[@foundwheels1939]

What about the expansion of acrylic plastic in variable temperatures? What will happen to this seal?

[@JA50N5]

Make sure you have a good gap of about 3mm. Fit the windows in a temperature that is average. Therefore, expansion/contraction is minimised.

[@kevinfarrington2641]

I learned the hard way the gap should be about the same as the linear expansion. My windows were about 5 ft long and the 1/16 " vhb 3m tape not even close to being thick enough. In full direct sun the windows expanded over 1/4" so the gap should have been about 1/4". The windows separated from the tape in several places and the gap was too narrow to use any kind of sealant since it just cracks/tears.