Helm and Windshield resealing

[davismwfl]

I am removing my helm and likely windshield so I can do some repairs and general resealing. One of the main reasons is I have to replace the door sliders both upper and lower and I noticed my helm caulking is brittle as is the caulking around the windshield frame. Not to mention it is all discolored and that drives me insane. I also am almost positive it is leaking from around the window frame too, so it seems prudent to do it right. If there is a way to do it all properly though without taking off the window frame I would be really happy to hear that.

So when I go to put this all back together and reseal the windshield and the helm station what is the correct caulk/sealant to use? I was thinking 3m 4200 but then it isn't real UV stable, so then I have read some here about 3m 4200UV being a good choice, would that be the right one or is there something that is better still?

Also, any hints on the best way to apply it when resealing the windshield and helm? I am in Florida so temp hopefully won't be much of an issue right now. Not trying to rub it in, just so glad I don't have snow or "real" cold to deal with. :grin:

 

[Tomco]

Resealing the deck hardware (windless switches, hatch etc) and windshield are on my list of spring work. I don't plan to remove the windshield, just scrape out the old caulk and lay in a new bead. From what I've read on the forum, I picked up some 3M 4000UV to do this work. I've also seen some recommendation for Boat Life caulk as well ... probably can't go too far wrong with either.

Sorry, can't help you with techniques as I haven't done it yet ... but, will be watching your tread to pick up any that are offered.

-32C here today with the wind chill ... will be awhile before we thaw out sufficiently to tackle such work :smt101

 

[davismwfl]

Ouch -32C, makes my back ache just thinking about it. And here I was complaining earlier this morning that it is overcast and around 18C here.

I think I am going to try the 3M 4200UV. From what I found in searching around some more it sounds like Boat Life caulk and 3M both have their supporters and detractors. So I guess either are probably pretty good long as they are UV stable.

I was shocked how easy it was to remove the helm and windshield frame and definitely found my source of at least a couple of leaks. I am also glad I took the whole frame off because I found algae and what I guess is mold growing in the little run-off channels near where the side frame meets the front frames. This lets me feel better that it will all be perfectly clean when I put it all back together. I am guessing somehow I have to keep those channels cleaned out so that doesn't happen in the future, maybe a little bleach to help kill off bacteria every few washes or so? Anyone else had/seen this?

 

[Bugsy24]

davismwfl, it is never 18C in Florida! That would be 64.4F !!

 

[davismwfl]

davismwfl, it is never 18C in Florida! That would be 64.4F !!

Yep, that'd be correct! You should have seen all the jackets and jeans, people even put on shoes instead of flip flops, it was a sad point. :grin:

I can't say I am disappointed that I moved out of the cold, nice to visit and see snow (even go skiing), just don't want to ever live in it again.