SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Hi All, new to the forum, and also to owning a Blackhawk. It's not in bad shape, needs some TLC - I've ripped out the seating on the back and am about to rebuild them (they were fairly crude) with something a bit neater. Inside, I'll replace the carpet and upholstery over time.

The big question I have though is about the windows... I'd like to take them out and reinstall to get them sealed up properly (they all have some small leaks), but I'm a bit thrown by the frames. They've been painted over, and silicone-d around so I've not seen them in all their glory just yet. Has anyone done this job in a Blackhawk previously that can share images, thoughts, experiences etc?

I can see that because of the frame, and square corners, they're not going to be the same process as some of the other Shetland models that just have rubber seals around the perspex itself - of which there are loads of examples of previous projects!

If anyone can help me understand what's ahead that would be amazing

Yes I had a Blackhawk and redid the windows. Clean off as much gunk as you can. Then drill out the rivets holding the frames in. Then with a scraper break the silicone seal on the insides of the frames. As you ease the frames out be careful to not bend the frames out of shape. Take it slow and easy. Once the frames are out then dig out all the sealant and get the perspex out. The front windows I replaced with laminated glass. The side windows with new perspex, use the old perspex as a template. Allow an extra 2mm all round for inside the frames is a kind of rubber/felt sealer channel, I took all that out and used tons and tons of sikaflex. Be very generous with the sealant and clean off the excess once the windows are all back in place. Do one window at a time. Start with one of the front ones, they're the easiest to do and will give you experience for when you do the others. Thoroughly clean the frames before starting over. If you're going to repaint the frames do it whilst they are out. Then touch up after you've reinstalled them. Good luck!!

That's amazing, thanks for the reply! I'm assuming that when you put them back in you re-riveted also?

Think I'll leave this job for next winter when the boat is out of the water again - if I can get the rear deck seating and floor finished in the next couple of weeks I'll be happy for now, I've got a date booked with Nauticover in Cornwall to get a replacement made also.

As an interim fix you could apply some liquid sealand around the rubber seal. Captain Tolley's creeping crack cure
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Captain-Tolley ... B003T6EJ9A
It does want it says on the tin / bottle. I had a 1982 Black Hawk until recently, & it worked for me.
Bob

I'll give it a go for sure, thanks for the tip!