I used the windshield sealer because Butyl Tape was a challenge to find back when I did the ports some 20 years ago. (You really did deeply search the archives!). It worked well for as long as I owned the boat, however, I sold about 10 years ago.?
The color of the caulk for the outside doesn¡¯t really matter, it is seal the gap between the glass, vinyl glazing, and frame. Not sure why Sabre cut the flange off the outside and caulked instead, it might have been an aesthetic reason. Anyway, it is probably a better solution than the vinyl flange. There is a Dow product (595?) that is similar to Silpruf. These silicone caulks are different from the usual marine silicone and HW store silicone.
Dave
Second Star
S362 #113
Fair Haven, NY/Lake Ontario
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On Apr 19, 2025, at 2:47?PM, Oceans via groups.io <oceans100t@...> wrote:
I have removed a leaky fixed port on my 38-1 for re-bedding. ?It¡¯s the original style
with the aluminum frame on the outside as discussed below. ?I have also read the ¡°Instructions to Rebed Sabre 28 Main Cabin Windows¡±. ?I would like to do the job following the factory guidelines but am unsure of a few procedures.
1. ?There is no mention of glazing vinyl or gaskets, but my window clearly has at least
two. ?One poster said he bought 3/16 glazing vinyl #D752. ?Another mentions acquiring window molding from Catalina Direct. ?I¡¯m pretty sure I recall Phil Horn stating he researched, purchased and installed the original material and even attached a photo of
it during his glass replacement. ?However, I am unable to find that post. ?I am hoping those who have experience with this project can shed some light (no pun intended) on the correct products and where to acquire them. ?And, Phil, if you are following, please
respond. ?
2. ?The bead of caulking on the outside of the window and the aluminum frame is described as a silicone bead on the factory instructions for the 28. ?The bead on my windows is rather wide and ugly. ?It¡¯s silver/gray after all these years, and I¡¯m unsure if
it¡¯s original. ?I¡¯d like to use a smaller width bead of black silicone against the glass and the frame for a much neater look and a bead of white around the frame and the surrounding cabin top wall. ?I¡¯m thinking a 1/8¡± bead, maybe even a 1/16¡± bead which
is about the thickness of the frame, but I¡¯m not sure if the thinner bead would compromise the seal. ?I¡¯m open to suggestions.
3. ?One poster recommends Permatex Windshield Sealer and details the procedure he followed very carefully. ?I¡¯m wondering how the Permatext has been holding up in the harsh marine environment.
4. ?I¡¯m also considering painting or powder coating the frame and eventually all the frames. ?I¡¯ve used Interlux Perfection Hatteras Off White on my overhead hatches and the color matches the gelcoat nicely. ?Again, any advice or alternatives would be appreciated.
?
Don Fleming
Duet
S-38-1 #77
Hudson River
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