Sealing Doghouse Windows

[Dockhead]

One thing I have always loved about my boat was that she has always been watertight. Other than rainwater down the mast, I've never had a drip anywhere. This is precious because even very small rainwater leaks can create a hell of mold and mildew.

Well, until now. It must have happened as a result of my collision last year, but one of my doghouse windows has sprung a leak. It took my months to find it because it was leaking behind the headliner and through a cabinet, but I finally tracked it down to one window.

The windows are made like car windows used to be made before they were glued in flush. They are set in some kind of rubber gasket, and then there is a metal flashing kind of thing.










How do you seal them? I'm tempted to fill in the gap with polysulfide caulking, but I suspect this is not best practice.

Maybe they need to be taken out (ugh!) and reset?

What ways are there to deal with such a situation?

Grateful for all tips.

[Dockhead]

Here's an article I found on how to do it:

Boat Windows - How to Repair Window Leaks : Boats and Yachts Maintenance, Repairs and Troubleshooting

Boat Window Leaks and Design Faults - Leaky, Leaking Windows : Buying a Boat or Yacht


So if this is correct, the window has to come out completely and has to be completely reinstalled. Bleh! I'm not really sure I want to try to do this myself, but at the same time shudder to think what it will cost to have it done professionally.

I wonder if it would be smart to use an auto glass company, which specializes in this sort of thing?

[Panope]

Long ago, I fixed a leaky car window with 5200. Tip of calking tube was forced under the edge of the rubber gasket. This worked well for many years inspite of the poor choice of sealant

Steve

[zeehag]

dockhead--yes you willhave to remove and properly replace to rid self of leaks. yup i did it you can too... but mine are easier, as i have no gasket or metal thingie. have fun.
might wanna change out that cracked window pane...

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by zeehag

dockhead--yes you willhave to remove and properly replace to rid self of leaks. yup i did it you can too... but mine are easier, as i have no gasket or metal thingie. have fun.
might wanna change out that cracked window pane...

I don't have any cracks! That's a reflection of a stanchion.


But any way, thanks for the data point.

[zeehag]

whew that is a relief.. so, you get to do what i been doing these past few years.....