The seals around the fixed skylights on the cabin top of my 35.5 and the fixed ports on each side of the cabin top and in the hull are drying out and beginning to crack. I want to rebed them before they start to leak. I obtained an estimate to have them professionally done and it was about $3,000 (including new ports). I dont know if I need new ports and I have to believe rebedding them cant be to difficult, so Ive added the project to my DIY list.

Ive checked the archives and wasnt able to locate previous strings on this topic. What type of adhesive do I use for rebedding and does anyone who tackled the job have any pointers.

As always, I appreciate the advice and information I get on this forum.

Dave
s/v Compass Rose

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Contact Hunter Marine.

Dave:

Contact Hunter Marine. They have the caulking and the instructions.

Basically it involves cutting out the old caulking and rebedding.

The process to remove the ports involves using some 80-90# test fishing line. You use this to cut around the ports.

Also ask Hunter about the new port material. I would like to do it for you for $3k too.

Steve Dion
Rio Vista, CA
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My solution

I had a leak, so I removed skylight and started over. Remove the screws and cut away as much of the sealant as possible on the top side. On the inside, insert a flexible putty blade and run around the edge. It helps if you have someone pushing up as you slide the blade. Be careful no to push too hard, so as to break the plastic. I cleaned the track with acetone which took a lot of work. There may be sometime better. I tried several types of sealants, but it still leaked after awhile. I called Hunter and got the DOW 739 and havent had any leaks in 3 years. Be sure to seal the screw holes well, so water doesnt get into the core.

Ronald Land
Mandeville, LA

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Use a wire

Hunter told me the slick way to pull the port lights. Fish a piece of stainless wire through one of the corners and put a handle on each end (wire to screw drivers) then have someone inside pull the wire around while you pull the outside. Done in two minutes, no mess, works great. On my legend they were leaking because the black paint they used to black out the background had separated from the gel coat and water was getting through under the sealer between the paint and gelcoat. When you put in the new Dow 739, make sure you scrape the paint away down to the gel coat.

William Niessen
Geneva, Ohio

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Fishing line to cut out the old sealant.

Williams method is extremely easy and prevent breaking the plexiglass (if that is an issue).

Just make a cut in the caulking and feed a piece of monofiliment fishing line through the hole. Tie a piece of wood or screw driver on each end of the line. Have a person above and below deck to pull in the same direction. It will cut the caulking away from the deck. Much cleaner and less mess than other methods.
Steve Dion
Rio Vista, Ca.