Why It’s Important to Maintain the Sealant Around Your Boat Windows
Why It’s Important to Maintain the Sealant Around Your Boat Windows
27th December 2018
“As the old adage goes ‘prevention is better than a cure’ and when it comes to maintaining your boat windows, this has never been truer“
Boat maintenance goes much further than just keeping the deck clean, your ropes tidy and sails properly bagged.
There are many intricate elements of your boat that are susceptible to damage and as a boat owner, you need to ensure you stay on top of them. Boats are exposed to a range of conditions as they endure everything nature can throw at them. Keeping water out of your boat is perhaps one of the most essential things to protect your vessel and keep it afloat.
Most of the water that makes its way inside your boat doesn’t come in through some gaping hole in the hull, but through gaps in your boat windows.
Once the seals break or become damaged, they can wear away quickly and things can go from bad to worse fast. Ensuring your boat windows are properly sealed is crucial to not just keeping your boat above water but keeping everything and everyone on board protected and safe.
Continue reading to learn just a few reasons why it’s vitally important that you maintain the sealant around your boat windows.
Lengthening the Lifespan of Your Boat Windows
Over time the sealant around your windows will deteriorate and will need to be replaced if not, it could erode away completely. When these seals are damaged water can easily seep inside, until it meets with the laminated glass in your windows.
Once contact with the laminated layer has occurred, damage can develop in the inner layer which causes a change in appearance resulting in your boat windows needing to be replaced. However, if you keep your sealant maintained, you can avoid this and keep your boat windows for much longer, ultimately saving you money.
Protecting Your Boat’s Interior
Depending on exactly where your marine windows are positioned a leak could end up letting in a little water or quite a lot. Either way, the damage over time to the interior of your boat can become expensive to repair or become completely irreparable. Water damage can lead to timbers becoming warped, fabrics needing to be replaced and electronics being damaged. Rather than face a complete overhaul of your boat’s interior, take steps to maintain the sealant around your boat windows once every year.
Increase the Resale Value
Selling a boat that is leaking to any degree is very difficult. Having unwanted water coming into your vessel immediately decreases the value of your boat and throws up warning flags for any potential buyer. If you see any amount of water coming in around your windows, take the time to investigate thoroughly and seal up the problem as quickly as possible before it gets worse. Should you ever be looking to sell your boat in the future, you’ll be able to negotiate a much better price knowing your boat is watertight.
Maintain Now and Prevent Problems Later
As the old adage goes ‘prevention is better than a cure’ and when it comes to maintaining your boat windows, this has never been truer. Be sure to keep an eye out for any amount of water coming through the sealant around your boat’s windows and if you spot any issues, take action fast. Boat window leaks can worsen quickly but with the right care, you can make sure that your boat is protected and ready for anything.
