#270 Fixing a Leaking Sailboat
25 June 2021 · 8 min · 2K views · Annapolis, Maryland
What this video covers
The crew repairs leaking cabin windows on the vessel Yavium in Annapolis by resealing the plexiglass-to-aluminium and aluminium-to-fibreglass joints. Because original hardware was unavailable, the team fabricated custom bolts and corner clips, then drilled and tapped new holes to assemble the frames. They use silicone to seal the plexiglass into the aluminium frame, masking the surfaces beforehand to prevent excess sealant from spreading. After the silicone cures for 24 hours, they plan to use butyl tape to bed the aluminium frame against the fibreglass cabin side. The project requires precise timing to insert the plexiglass before the silicone sets, a process made more efficient by working in cooler morning temperatures and utilising a third person to hold the frame steady during installation. The crew notes that interior braces should have been installed before exterior ones to simplify the bolting process. Proper sealing of these windows addresses long-standing leaks identified in the bathroom since the boat's purchase.
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