I got my new windows cut and will install them when I decide how to fix them to the boat, I've been told that screwing them to the boat is old hat and that a new tape made by 3M is all the go.
Anyone here know about the new method.
Bill
I think I've found what I'm looking for.
www.thecoastalpassage.com/windows.html
Bill
Yup, you did find it, in fact just before I was about to post the same thing for you.
hi there Bill we replaced our side windows 3 years ago using this method
and could'nt be happier , no holes to drill with a risk of cracking and leaks
and the finished job looks allot neater as well with no screw heads, our windows are 2.5 meters long
and we fitted them in two pieces all very easy ,the double sided tape is only to hold
the window in place whilst the sealer goes off cheers Ray
agree with Radar, we replaced windows on the cat which where much larger than yours, plus with curves as well, and no frames.
We used the 3M VBH tape, the hardest part is paying for the roll (over $150 from memory from industrial supply store).
Yes you do need a sealant, we used a Down Corning one, specifically for acrylic.
We did the primer, and black spraypaint edge so you don't see the tape and protect it from uv.
Looking at your windows through, you may not have enough width to have 1"tape, and the bonding area for the silicon as well.
Removal would probably need heat, and/or dental floss/piano wire method, like you can do for automotive glass removal.
I had the windows cut 10mm larger than the existing surround which will give me a little extra area for tape and sealer.
Is this method going to be safe/ secure enough for offshore sailing? I suppose if a wave breaks over them it pushes them onto the boat..
Thanks. No I didn't have to repair anything, Keen, just get all the old silicon-based sealant off which was pretty tedious. I left the old screw holes; they were covered by the new stuff and eventually I plan to put some thin timber frames around the windows on the inside so may use them.
sboardcrazy; I'm not sure. I've never heard of it being tested. I'd probably feel safer with a screw or two in the leading edge if I planned on punishing them (which I'm not).
