Today was the first time I've used Butyl tape for bedding hardware on our 26S. I wish, I would have tried this earlier. No mess and a super easy fit. Here is a link that explains how to use it. Thought it might be of use for other members at the forum :
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware&page=1
Now I am really enjoying the refit :D
Happy modding and sailing !
Two weeks later, despite the torrential rain we've had, it really seems to be working. Not a single drop came through around an access hatch and the flag holder that I rebedded. Now lets hope for some real east coast sunshine and see how it does when it gets really warm. Step by step going through some more small leaks now.
Hmm, I wonder if I could bed in two of my leaking side windows and one of the front ones with Butyl tape, instead of the standard stuff? Has anybody tried it?
Paul
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]
Are you sure exactly where your windows are leaking? I had window leaks last year, and careful inspection suggested it was through the securing screws. I took the screws out, and thought it might be worth re-sealing the whole window while I was at it, but they are very solidly glued down - in fact the screws seem somewhat redundant! This made me even more sure it was just the screws at fault, so I daubed each one with Sikaflex before replacing, and I've had no leakage problems since.
Just a thought ...
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Thanks for the suggestion Rick, water leaks are so difficult to trace, if I could only get behind the headliner.........
The boat is with a local yard at the moment, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with, I will send them a quick email asking them to check the screws before they rip out the windows.
Paul
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]
Paul, I have an M similar age to yours and had a hell of a problem with water last 2 years. leakage at the sides esp twoards the rear and a lot of water off front windows. I did the chain plates again with sikaflex and rebedding my fittings where it seemed to be ;leaking at the sides but no joy. Eventually I found that sealant I applied along the rubber strip disapperaed down a tiny hole . Having sealed this hole I have no water coming in and no drips off front windows so I assume the latter was condensation.
Roly
I did wonder about the rubber strake, but after careful observation when it was raining and pi55ing in, the joint itself seemed to be as dry as a bone, and the water was dripping off the roof lining, hence my feeling that it has to be coming through the windows, screws or around the edge, and dripping onto the lining. However, I wlll smear a bit of sealant along the top edge of the rubber strip just in case there is a pinhole there.
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]
Butyl tape itself cannot be used as adhesive, only as sealant where a mechanical method (bolt, nut, screw etc.) has been employed. I am not sure how the windows are fixed on the M, though but I guess they are set in with marine adhesive ?
"not sure how the windows are fixed on the M"
They are sealed with adhesive, but also have 4 small screws, self tapping I imagine, but I'm not sure these would be pull the window onto the sealing enough to form a good seal on their own.
Paul
[Ex 'Crackerjack' - 26M]