Posted: September 06 2006 at 12:09 | IP Logged

Have a 1985 38' Corinthian, and experiencing leaks in the aft cabin (port & stbd) windows.  Has anyone undertaken this task of repairing these leaks....removing entire window and re-sealing? OR any other tricks that I may use before doing something drastic?

Thanks

Bob

Posted: October 02 2006 at 08:27 | IP Logged

Thanks for the replies...Like the idea of a "drip gutter", can only help. I have taken the STB window out, and recaulked and reset which has seemed to solve the problem. Had a dry weekend during a storm!

I too would love to get my hands on a manual!

Posted: November 26 2006 at 20:07 | IP Logged

To Wakeme:

Hi Bob,

Window leaks are generic to most boats because the construction of sliding windows is the same in nearly all boats.  Basically, at the bottom of the window opening, an open box, called a windowbox, is constructed out of wood.  This is true even in fiberglass boats. 

The windowbox is on the inside of window opening and runs the length of the window.  It's top is even with the bottom of the window opening.  The top is open and the bottom of the window glass rests in an aluminum track on the botom of the box running fore and aft.  A second box at the top of the window has a second aluminum track which restrains the top of the window.  Usually two window panes, each with its own set of tracks, are incorporated in each box with one window sliding forward and the other aft.

In theory, rain hits the outside of window and runs down the window into the windowbox.  The windowbox is watertight so the water in the box is contained until the box fills and the water spills over the top of the box.  In order to prevent the windowbox from filling one or two holes are drilled in the outboard side of the box to allow the water to drain to the outside of the boat.

But after a few years debris accumulates in the box and plugs the holes.  At that point the box fills and you have what is known as a window leak.  The solution is to just hose out the debris in the box thereby opening the drain holes again.

This miraculously simple way to solve the problem works most of the time.  But many boat owners don't understand how a windowbox works and proceed to seal the window glass against the windowbox with various sealing compounds.  This eliminates the sliding feature of the window and also usually plugs the windowbox drain holes which leads to future leaks and rot.

In some cases, the windowboxes themselves rot and/or become leaky.  In these cases, the window panes must be carefully removed and the windowbox must be rebuilt or resealed.

But windowboxes remain leak free for a long time if their drain holes are kept free of debris.  Twenty years is not uncommon and most window leak problems are caused by plugged drain holes.  I've had boats with windowboxes for over thirty years and haven't had any window leak problems as long as I kept the drain holes open.

Incidentally, I too have one of those red Chris Craft Owner Manuals.  But you shouldn't expect much from it.  It is essentially useless.

Pete37

Posted: February 26 2007 at 09:58 | IP Logged

I had found out that my "leaking" problems were more extensive than originally thought. The winter lay-up has been dedicated so far to solving these problems. I have removed the large aft window and re-bedded and sealed along with the aft starboard sliding window. Problem resolved here.  I also had leaks in the forward cabin, on both sides of the V-berth. Removed both portal windows, new gaskets, seals and rings (the windows were in excellent shape). Had to contract with the local boat builder to re-seal and tighten the deck-to-hull joint which was in bad shape. Also re-bed (8) stantions on the fore-deck. Will not know if this is resolved till "underway" in the spring. Appears to be dryer than Phoenix in the summer now!

My next projects are now delayed with a Broken Shoulder while slipping on the ice at home!

Posted: February 26 2007 at 22:48 | IP Logged

Window channels...

http://www.defender.com/productsearchresult.jsp

I have several to tear into soon...

Posted: September 11 2007 at 13:00 | IP Logged

Consider yourself lucky. This is a 2005 Roamer 40 that the factory refused to repair under warranty. They say it only had a 1 year warranty. Over $40,000 to repair the damage.

I have many more pictures if anyone's interested.

TBYS