B28 - Dreaded Leaking Windows

Wingnut · Post by **Wingnut** » May 16th, '09, 19:30

Yup, I got 'em. What are my options? Boat is a '77 FB B28. I'm thrilled to be the new owner and slept on-board for the first time last week. The thunderstorms brought a slow leak from both front corners of the windows.

I'd like to make (or have made?) a front windshield cover anyway. Will this stop the leaks or does it come in the side windows and run down to enter the front corners anyway?

I had previously asked about shipping and wanted to let everyone know that I had excellent service from Rob Lee at Maritime in MA. No problems or damage and on time to the hour!

I'd love to post a pic but have not found the way??? Hints?

Thanks all!

JD

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » May 16th, '09, 20:02

I had a sunbrella cover made for my front windows mainly for the sun, but the water will roll off it for about 6 months or so before you hit it with that tent waterproofing stuff again. Mine covers the triangular portion of the side windows for about one foot. There were some leaks when I got the boat, I do not notice it anymore. If you hit the side windows with garden hose stream it will bubble through in the track. If you have the vented front windows I would highly recomend the sunbrella cover to help with the leaks.

jackryan · Post by **jackryan** » May 16th, '09, 21:31

I have the same problem with the windows on my 1978 31' Sportfish. I am going to try to buy new gaskets for them and I would like to make a sunbrella cover for the front windows and the first couple of feet of the side windows. I was wondering if anyone has a pattern to make a window cover with. Maybe an old damaged or little used window cover that I could use as a pattern and return. Mine have leaked so much I have to replace the teak and holly floors up front.

JR

CaptPatrick · Post by **CaptPatrick** » May 16th, '09, 22:47

Wingnut wrote:I'd love to post a pic but have not found the way??? Hints?

Links and Images

Wingnut · Post by **Wingnut** » May 17th, '09, 05:54

Thanks Capt Pat, I'll give it a try!

Wingnut · Post by **Wingnut** » May 17th, '09, 06:09

Kevin,

Thanks, as you can see in the picture- vented windows!

I've seen a few pictures on the net of various covers. I like the idea of maybe wrapping around the side a foot or so. That takes this discussion past a simple rectangle and in to the realm of hiring a pro!

Does yours use snaps to attach? Can the window frames be drilled to accept the snaps on threaded posts or does that lead to more leaks (or worse yet cracked glass!)?

Thanks all!

JD

In Memory Walter K · Post by **In Memory Walter K** » May 17th, '09, 09:13

There are several ways but I would discuss them with your Canvas pro. On my 31, they're all snaps drilled into the fiberglass. I wouldn't drill into the frames. I have seen a track around the upper end with a sewn in piping that runs in it, and snaps on the bottom. You can also use industrial velcro to hold the sides on your vented sides.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » May 17th, '09, 10:21

[img][img]http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z170/1kevinmehegan/th_windowcoverandinterior002.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z170/1kevinmehegan/th_windowcoverandinterior001.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z170/1kevinmehegan/th_benchseat013.jpg[/img][/img]

This cover is held on by snaps. When I purchased the boat it already had a cover on the front window but it was in poor shape. I tried to wash it in the machine.........bad idea, it was detroyed to the point it was not even usable as a templet. On my boat there is nowhere to screw the snaps into the fiberglass at the top and even the bottom would change the fit of the canvas. Just use TefGel to slow the corrossion down. This cover only comes off to hand wash and waterproof about once a year. I have left it on for all the near hits of all the storms down here. It even took Wilma without so much as having one snap come off. I can get some more detailed pics if you need them, these are just the ones I happen to have on Photobucket. I need to get some transducer shots today so its no problem if you need them.

Wingnut · Post by **Wingnut** » May 17th, '09, 19:45

Kevin,

Thanks for the pictures. To be clear, are your snaps anchored IN the metal frames?

Beautiful boat by the way!

JD

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » May 18th, '09, 02:17

Yes the snaps are in the metal frames.

Preston Burrows · Post by **Preston Burrows** » May 18th, '09, 11:11

Wingnut:

Congrats!

Do a water test using a garden hose to try and figure where your windows are leaking..........................most B28's that suffer leaks do so at the bottom of the windows aluminum channel framework where they are bolted onto the hull cap as well as their outside perimeter edges......either the track is no longer sealed to the hull cap as the bedding has deteriorated over time,especially due to the flybridge causing flex/stress....... and/or the water is getting in via the window channels themselves where they are bolted into the hull cap....................

My windows leak, and every couple of years I perimeter caulk the outside and inside of the frames' 'perimeters' to slow down / eliminate the water leaks.......short of a complete disassembly and jacking up / shoring the flybridge and then removing, repairing and reinstalling the frames and windows leak fix options are limited and short term.......covers help somewhat.....

STeveZ · Post by **STeveZ** » May 18th, '09, 14:59

Hey Wingnut,

How is your bimini attached? It sure looks neat and clean compared to mine which has six SS supports cluttering up the outside of the bridge. I'm thinking of attaching a lighter gauge bimini to the rails that run along the sides of the bridge, and I'm thinking that might be how yours is attached. If so are you keeping it up w/ poles, or straps?

In Memory Walter K · Post by **In Memory Walter K** » May 18th, '09, 18:21

Steve- I have a 31 and the bimini is connected those side rails and has been since I got it 35 years ago! I have a full enclosure and have had no problems even through a few NE hurricanes...as long as nothing opens up to let the wind in. There are 4 adjustable straps that I keep real tight. Walter

Wingnut · Post by **Wingnut** » May 18th, '09, 19:31

SteveZ,

The boat is now in Rockhall, MD. If you want to come see it PM me.

I'll take some pictures as I can't describe it too well. It has two anchor points on the folding frame in the middle and aft and two straps in the front.

I should add that it seems rock solid and took the thunderstorms and WIND last week really well.

JD

STeveZ · Post by **STeveZ** » May 19th, '09, 07:51

Thanks for the info guys. The picture below illustrates my bimini's six mounting points.
Aside from the clutter its a real PITA since I have to drop it and raise it twice to get under a bridge every time I leave the dock.

'nut, I'll drop you a line next time I head down to Rock Hall. I'd love to take a look. (I'm on the Bush River)

JeremyD · Post by **JeremyD** » May 19th, '09, 08:47

How mine attaches -

STeveZ · Post by **STeveZ** » May 19th, '09, 09:12

Jeremy, that's exactly what I'm thinking, except straps aft as well.
Guess I could start w/ straps and add supports if necessary.

JeremyD · Post by **JeremyD** » May 19th, '09, 10:36

Here's a few more pictures that show attachment points - The rear is a solid tube attachment but you could easily make that straps. Let me know if you need anything else - It's behind my house so easy access.

In Memory Walter K · Post by **In Memory Walter K** » May 19th, '09, 15:08

It's all straps on my 31. No problem.

Wingnut · Post by **Wingnut** » Jun 1st, '09, 17:54

Steve,

I finally got a chance to get the pictures of my B28's enclosure. Hopefully these are helpful and illustrate how the top is attached.

Take care,

Wnut

bertram31.com

B28 - Dreaded Leaking Windows

B28 - Dreaded Leaking Windows

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