Foam Under the Windshield

[Paulywood]

The windshield on my boat has an aluminum frame mounted to the fiberglass. Between the frame and fiberglass is a strip of foam that is disintegrating. Every time I wash it black specks rinse off this foam making a mess. I would like to remove the windshield and replace it. But I'm not sure what to replace it with. Any ideas? I only want to do it once because I think to remove the frame I have to take out all the glass and then unscrew the frame.

[SeaCatMich]

I would call this place: http://www.americanmarine.com/parts-gaskets.html

From what they show I would guess you could call them with the boat brand & model and they would know what to use.

[GTRIEM]

I just took the windshield off a mastercraft skiboat and these bolts and tape are whats under the aluminum extrusion. I don't know of another way so its going back as stock. I'm down here near elkhart indiana so I'm hoping to find the foam tape local.

here the links for example-

http://www.boatersland.com/tay1166.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-BOLT-BOAT-WINDSHIELD-MARINE-HOLD-DOWNS-SET-OF-36-BOLTS-DIRECT-REPLACEMENT-/281111142141?vxp=mtr

[Paulywood]

I contacted the manufacturer of my windshield (Taylor Made) and they sell a gasket to go under it. She said not every boat builder used theirs originally but it will work as a replacement. I just have to measure it and place an order.

[1mainiac]

Nick on RV's we use Butyl Tape under trim to seal it and forma gasket. http://www.butyltape.org/heavy-duty-butyl-tape-gray/ chk that out lots of places sell it.

[Paulywood]

Jim, that's what it looks like they used originally and I think it broke down due to sunlight. Thanks anyway, though.

[1mainiac]

The stuff we use does not break down and would not be black if it did it would be gray. Lots of companies use a foam tape under trim it does what you were describing. Another option would be putty tape. We use a lot of it as well it tends to get chalky with age though. Another option would be to just seal the seam with a good clear silicon.