#270 Fixing a Leaking Sailboat
June 25, 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-aluminum and aluminum-to-fiberglass 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 aluminum 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 aluminum frame against the fiberglass 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 utilizing 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.
More from Sailing Nervous- Starting Over!
From Sailing Nervous- Starting Over! — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.