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Subject: Foggy windows etc. (Correspondence Sept. 1997)

From: reeltime@interlog.com (Ron Hemstreet)

Dear Bill:
Hope you had a great vacation.
Am passing on a very helpful hint from Les Peer, owner of the Shark 
"Winsome Gal" who got the hint from Deiter Bork. Apparently, plexi 
windows get that white, almost impossible to remove, fog from chemicals 
leaching from the outer gasket. The solution is to apply a coat of 
Silicone grease to the gasket yearly. There is a type made by 3M that 
comes in a tube. The windows on Les' boat look brand new but are over 
20 years old.  Hope this helps.
Cheers: Ron.
Ron,
Thanks - I have posted the "tip".
My windows are "horrible" and one is leaking badly.
Doubt I can use the tip myself.  I think I will have to
replace them all.
Bill
Dear Bill:
You don't have to remove the frame, just pull out the old gasket & cut new 
plexi (or Lexan) windows. (If you have the bolt on variety, then ignore the 
previous statement). The new gasket is available from Bristol marine in Port 
Credit & costs about $2.95 per foot. The inside gasket you can get from Can. 
Tire. THEN use the grease yearly. I haven't done this myself but I was talking 
to a C & C 27 owner who just completed his windows.  Good luck.
Cheers: Ron
Ron,
Thanks but I am not sure I understand about the frame.  Mine are "through rivetted".  
If I don't remove them how do I get the new plexiglass and gasket in?  Taking 
them out will "destroy" them of course unless I am really careful and drill out 
each rivet perfectly.
Bill.
Bill:
Remove the old gasket and the plexi should just pop out. Use the old one as a 
pattern for the new ones.  (I also thought that I would have to drill out the 
frames until it was explained to me). Make sure that all 4 are the same as some 
of the older Sharks have different shaped forward windows. If your gasket is in 
good shape you might be able to re-use it as it is by far the most expensive cost 
of the job.
One of the plexi products available is called "Acrilyte" and comes in various tints, 
however anything other that clear will prevent some light from entering.
Again, good luck. Keep me posted. Feel free to call if you want to chat.
416-503-8090
Cheers:
Ron.

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