I'm replacing the hatch lenses. I removed one of each size, and have the new ones cut and ready to go on, but it's still too cold for the recommended application of Sikaflex. I'm removing the winter cover tomorrow (Mon.) I used pieces of plywood bolted to a 2x3 to cover each hatch that had the lense removed, but that's not water tight. My plan is to put the original lenses back in temporarily, until the weather warms up a bit.
I could use masking tape or similar, just to cover the lense to frame joint. I also thought of using butyl tape, of which I have a large supply. This would make a good, watertight temporary seal. I'm a little concerned that it might leave some sort of residue that might prevent the Sikaflex from adhering properly, when I do the permanent installation. Anyone think that would be a problem? If so, a taping I will go.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
The beauty of Butyl tape is you can remove it. Any residue would be cleaned with paint thinner and or Methylhydrate. Any reason you are not going to use Butyl to bed the new lenses? Or do you want more of an adhesive?
Ross & Joanne
Wavelength
Saint John NB
RKYC
C36 #658 TR 1987
Gary: When you say the hatch lenses I presume you mean the "panes". If that is the case then the seal you end up with will not be under a compression load. From my understanding of butyl tape, it needs to be compressed to create a seal. It that situation it works great in my experience but I'm not sure it would suit your needs. If you do use it as a temporary seal it can be removed with acetone. I haven't tried the other suggestions so I can't comment.
Rick Verbeek
Southpaws
1999 C36 #1763
Lakeshore Yacht Club
Toronto
I only had a limited amount of time to stick the lenses in after taking off the cover. So I made a round bead of butyl and stuck it on the horizontal edge of the hatch frame; that's under compression so will hopefully create a leak proof seal. I then put masking tape over the lense/frame gap. That should hold it for awhile, until I get to permanently installing them. It's unseasonably warm here, but little doubt that could change, so I'll hold off until the boat's launched in a couple weeks, then tackle the job properly.
thanks for the suggestions.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay