Is Butyl the best product for fixing leaky boat windows? I think so!

[@mikeevans9062]

Great vid very helpful. Just one thing many years ago I worked in a boat repair yard. Any slot head screws always had to be vertical the theory being any water would run straight through. But really it just looks much better. I have always done any slot head screw ever since, where possible.

[@boatedout]

Thanks, yes I’d agree, I’ve got flush nuts on the inside and I tightened the screws to what felt right. I’ve since adjusted a few times as the windows settled and squeezed out a bit: They are all oriented the other way now!😁.

[@bennielaars]

I have used it for my boat windows with chromium trim. Works great but it will stay soft and sticky and when it gets hot outside, more will be squeezed out.

[@boatedout]

@@bennielaars I tighten the screws from time to time but I haven’t had any more squash out now it’s found it’s happy place. And dry as a bone now too! 👌😁

[@calmwatersailor1947]

Nice job. I did mine with butyl tape as well. The first window of four was a bit messy as I didn't offer it up quite squarely and had to clear up black smudges with white spirit. For the remaining three, before removing, I stuck little wooden blocks with self adhesive pads tight up underneath and at each end. Made it much easier to offer up with holes aligned correctly. Look forward to seeing more of your boat on the water. Roll on spring .

[@boatedout]

Thanks for the comment, yeah I can see how it could become a bit tricky, I guess that’s why they say stick it in the fridge, luckily is was cold outside, i just put a screw in each end and luckily got the hole first time, that’s a clever idea using blocks. Yes roll on the spring, I can’t wait although I’ve opened a can of worms now I’m armed with butyl tape. All the deck fittings are coming off and gonna paint the deck.😬wish me luck!

[@VibrantSailing]

Thx

[@boatedout]

👌👍⛵️

[@timbennett00]

Nice video and well explained. I need to do this to mine and wasn't sure what sealant to use. Butyl tape seems the best way. Thanks!

[@boatedout]

Thanks! Some good feedback! I had such a good experience with it, time will tell of course. I think it’s important to not over tighten, I might even back some screws off in places then re tighten when it warms up. I’ve since started stripping all the deck fittings so I’ve got less of a boat now!😂

[@boatsandbitsandbobs]

You’re a legend captain thanks for this one 🎉 puka

[@boatedout]

@@boatsandbitsandbobs my pleasure! Still no leaks!😁👌⛵️

[@boatsandbitsandbobs]

@@boatedoutthat’s great. Can’t wait to do mine 🎉

[@gbr562]

To get scratches out of perspex use 1000g wet and dry, then 1500 and then cutting compound. Also works well to remove the jigsaw blade marks on the edges. Just a note on the butyl tape and my favourite Arbokol1000, which is similar but you apply it like sika/silicon/saba etc. The issue is it has zero bonding ability, which is great for getting things back off but not so good if you can't rely on the fasteners. Self tappers in grp are notoriously bad at coming loose and'or stripping the thread in the grp. So I'd suggest you use countersunk set screws and dome nuts. The issue is on a small yacht, that the grp will flex. In grotty weather you might have the hatch and washboards in for safety, but hitting a big wave the sudden change in air pressure can pop the windows out. So my general rule is if a fitting is bolted on deck, use butyl rubber or Arbokol as it is an excellent sealant and you dont need the adhesive qualities. If its screwed then an adhesive sealant may be necessary. Good job, keep it up...

[@boatedout]

Thanks, Mike, that’s some awesome advice there. I always wondered when each product would be good for which application. The windows are actually held in with counter sink screws/bolts with flush nuts on the inside. Although I. Had to turn the screws to thread into the nuts, I put enough butyl tape on that I’m confident it created a good seal on the heads. I used that arbocol 1000 to re glaze the Houdini hatch, although it still leaks some where, Indont think it’s through the glazing, but what a messy job that was. I’ve since removed all deck fittings and she is totally bare. 😁

[@paulconroy3355]

Thanks for the video, very informative!

[@boatedout]

Thanks for the comment Paul!👍⛵️

[@Howt-ooo]

I'm doing mine soon with the high strength 3M instant contact tape. And tiger seal adhesive to seal the edges.

[@boatedout]

That sounds interesting, sounds like a belts and braces measure? Hope it goes well, here’s to no more leaks😁

[@Howt-ooo]

Good job mate

[@boatedout]

Thanks very much! I’ve since stripped every deck fitting so she’s looking pretty bare now. Going to paint the decks with kiwi grip then rebed all the fittings with butyl. No more leaks hopefully!😁

[@28theark]

@@boatedout hello I’m new to boating haven’t got a clue 😆🤦🏻‍♂️I’m buying a 17ft boat which I’ll be doing up myself but it has no windows in on the cabin so you know how I can go about getting some made? Do you know anyone or anywhere I can have that done please?

[@boatedout]

@@28theark hi, if I’m completely honest- I don’t really know how to help you I’m afraid. I wish I could. If they are screw on Perspex windows like the ones I have and you don’t have the originals, then you would most likely need to make a template and then get a company to cut them out. Alternatively you might be able to buy the approximate sizes and perhaps get a carpenter to cut them to the right shape. The edges are normally slightly rounded and could potentially be done with a router. My personal experience of cutting Perspex is not particularly a positive one. So by the time you bought some and paid some one to cut it and make a nice job of it- it may well be worth going to a proper boat window company. Where are you based? If I get some time I’ll do some googling- that’s if you haven’t sorted it already. Either way- best of luck and I wish you many happy years of boating! 😁⛵️

[@28theark]

@@boatedout bless yer thanks for your reply I live in Derbyshire

[@BabaBugman]

Thanks a lot! I used it as well, but for future, do you know how to remove it? It seems to stick a lot.

[@boatedout]

Previously I’ve removed it with a Stanley blade and some white spirit or acetone to polish up, but I guess it depends if it’s firmed up or not. It said on the packet that low temperature firms it up, so maybe a cold day. But if you find a good method please do let me know. Hopefully I won’t need to remove any more on Elise. 😁⛵️

[@BabaBugman]

@@boatedout I tried to use a little ball of unused butyl and then cleaned the remnant part with acetone. It worked, but it attacked a little bit the varnished and I had to fix it. I anticipate the question for when I will have to change the windows (for now, I kept the old ones).

[@incoherentboy]

Yay for butyl tape!

[@boatedout]

I love butyl!😂

[@Spud63]

@@boatedout ive just come across this channel and seen this vid , oddly enough i had prev bought the exact same product to do some repairs