Question about Dorsett Windows

[Ronald64]

The front windows on our San Juan leak. I was wondering if there was originally a gasket between the window trim and boat or were they sealed with liquid caulk type sealer? Anyone know where I can get the rubber if that's what it is?

Ron

[Ronald64]

Sorry guys I just realized this shoud go into the resto forum

Ron

[timw]

What did you find?

When you opened it up?... I have A 62 Sanjuan I/O..with the motor in the aft....When you took off the inside widow trim...what did you see...? a gasket??? or have you not taken the trim off to see yet...?...Questions like this are what boat shop owners love.....Ya...bring yer boat over here to me...I'll fix it...

[Tim McCrain]

Sorry guys I just realized this shoud go into the resto forum

Ron

No sweat Ron, it's okay where it is.

[Skagitguy]

Ron. I put new windows in my Farallon a while back. I can't go into it tonight , but if you call me Sat about 11 am i can tell you the easy way to fix it. 1-800-637-9190 and leave your number if i miss you. Chuck

[Ronald64]

Ron. I put new windows in my Farallon a while back. I can't go into it tonight , but if you call me Sat about 11 am i can tell you the easy way to fix it. 1-800-637-9190 and leave your number if i miss you. Chuck

I will call. Thanks Chuck. I haven't taken the trim off yet. Wanted to kinda know what I was getting into before I ended up with a bunch of usless window openings.

Ron

[Ronald64]

Thanks again Chuck

For taking time out of your busy day to talk shop with me about the San Juan. Problem will be fixed.
Chuck mentioned that I should try to avoid taking off the trim if possible as the 47 year old stainless screws are a pain in the rear. Chuck took the windows out of his Farallon and said it was not easy to get them positioned and set right..he did however succeed after a "couple of hours". Here's the kicker...he said use the 504 to caulk them in...I think he's right though. If I take the trim off and want to seal the window...something I may end up having to do...I will use the 504. You'll not want to take them out again though CutUp1 What I am going to do for now is see how hard the screws are...they look like they are in great shape...if they loosen easy then I'll loosen the trim and use 504 under the trim and tighten it back down. It they don't then I will use "Lifecaulk" and lay a bead along the triim/window joint on the interior and exterior....I always mask for caulking by the way. Keeps it clean and I suck free hand. That will be temporary until I find out it either didn't work or I get more time to tap out the stainless screws. There's only a million of them. SHould keep me busy for the winter. :surprised1: I'll keep you posted.

Ron

[Ronald64]

A Quick update

We ended up loosening the screws from the inside a bit. They were in perfect shape. The previous owner obviously had dealt with them recently. Was able to easily do it with a hand driver. The trim on the interior came loose however the exterior trim wouldn't budge easily and I didn't want to mess with it too much so we ended up masking and running a small bead of silicone "Life Caulk" around the edges of the trim and fiberglass. In the inside we put caulk between the trim and glass and tightened up the screws.
Yesterday we replaced the thermostat and oil cooler heat exchanger and took her out for a sea trial. The windows are rock solid and bone dry...no leaks. :cool1: It's the first real run we've had out on the SF Bay and I now have some opinions of the Dorsett. It's a big 'ol inboard boat and operates a lot like a big 'ol inboard boat. I used to run my Uncle's '71 Luhrs 32 ft single screw inboard a lot and the Dorsett feels a lot like that 32 footer...easier to push off the dock though. I had some....uh.....interesting times getting that big single screw boat into the slip and up to the gas dock in the wind and current. :Scared1::Shocked: The Dorsett is much easier obviously but the lack of steering in reverse and the way she handles in a following sea really reminds me of that Luhrs. She's also kind of wet. It was choppy and going slow into the waves we were taking a lot of water over the bow. The wind was taking it up in our faces. I was drenched after the run, however the ride is soft on the chop. I will say the prop is too small too. We'll have to do something about that. So being the proud owner of both a Dorsett San Juan and a Glasspar Seafair Sedan, I will say the Seafair wins hands down for comfort, handling, drieness and responsiveness. I am a Seafair fan at heart. I do love that Dorsett though. We got a lot of thumbs ups as we were leaving the marina. She looks good. But giving my 'drathers I'd go with the Seafair.

Ron