Re-Caulk Pilot House Windshields – R-31CB

Hello - I am looking for advice, tips, and any firsthand experience re-caulking the pilothouse windshields on my 2014 Ranger Tug R-31CB. The windows are not leaking, but the exterior caulking is cracking, flaking, and generally looking tired.

From what I have been able to find, it looks like 3M 4200 (black) is the correct sealant to use. My main question is on prep, do I need to remove all of the old exterior caulk in the area being done, or is it acceptable to cut back to solid material and re-caulk over that?

My current plan was to:

• Lightly warm the old sealant with a heat gun
• Remove it using plastic scrapers and a hook tool
• Clean the surface with mineral spirits
• Mask and apply new 4200

If anyone has done this on an R-31 or similar Ranger Tug, I would really appreciate hearing what worked, what did not, and any tips you wish you had known beforehand.

Also, if anyone has a shop or individual they would recommend to do this work, I would not be opposed to hiring it out.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I have not done this on a Ranger Tug specifically but any marine windows I have bed in the past called for a Dow Corning product (i forget the exact one) that is intended for that purpose, not just generic 4200. As stated, though, maybe the Ranger Tugs are different.

Doing windows on a sailboat a bunch of years ago, it was important to remove all the old sealant before beginning the installation. Remember, it is as old as the stuff that has failed and will not age well. There are some solvents available to make this job a bit easier. Google what solvent works best for old 4200.

I believe you are looking for Sikaflex 291.