[C320-list] Opening Port gasket alternatives

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

#1037 2005 seems to have Lewmar 7-1/2" x 14-7/16" port lights.

I can't believe that I'd have to pay nearly $60 to replace the simple rubber gasket. Has anybody found a better solution that doesn't come with a 'boat owner' penalty tax?

thanks

Pat
Pat Tormey
s/v Blues Skies
Newport RI

[Chris Burti via C320-list]

If the gasket is not actually damaged, cleaning with a paper towel soaked
in ArmorAll on a regular basis works wonders. The gaskets accumulate dirt
which causes leaks. Cleaning actually cures the issue. The ArmorAll keeps
the gasket flexible.

Fair winds,
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC

[WindSwept via C320-list]

I think I am going to have to replace my gaskets too. Are your ports the ones with the single seam in the frame at the bottom? Is this the price from Catalina Direct? I don’t have any suggestions at this time but sure will be watching the other replies.

Larry Frank
WindSwept
C320 #246

> On Sep 19, 2023, at 11:39 AM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> #1037 2005 seems to have Lewmar 7-1/2" x 14-7/16" port lights.

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

If your portlights have the rotating type locking dogs to close them, make sure your are not overlooking a simple replacement of the outer small rubber o-ring (and some grease on the o-ring) that seals against the outside of the lens. These definitely can leak .... possibly misinterpreted as a leaking gasket. Also, don't  tighten the center screw to try to eliminate the leak on a dog latch.  Overtightening will just make the plastic abrade the lens. 
I make this an annual maintenance item (about $0.50/o-ring), as well as cleaning the gasket multiple times per season with Armour All (it definitely keeps the gaskets in good shape). 
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

[Email Service via C320-list]

I pulled the glass out and put flex seal in the place where the glass goes and put the glass back in. No more leaks.
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 4:38 PM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: ptormey 4square.net <pto...@4square.net>
Subject: [C320-list] Opening Port gasket alternatives

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Info on port parts:
https://shop.sailboatowners.com/lewmar_ports.php
Dave Hupe 
1o94 C320 #32


Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 12:39 PM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: #1037 2005 seems to have Lewmar 7-1/2" x 14-7/16" port lights.

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Another resource:
https://hatchmasters.com/
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 12:39 PM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: #1037 2005 seems to have Lewmar 7-1/2" x 14-7/16" port lights.

[John Stetson via C320-list]

I had an issue with the portlights leaking also. I talked with Lewmar,
who provided a fix. Mine are the "old standard" used on boats from 1980 to
1998. They are about 7-1/2" by about 14-1/2" , with the rotating locking
dogs on the interior. There are two horizontal joints on the exterior of
the frame, one on each side. I had talked with Catalina Direct, who first
suggested o-ring replacement, which I did, and then tried the silicone
grease to soften the gaskets, both with no resolution. Lewmar provided a
fix for frame leaks, which I have attached. It is simple - "To fix the
leak, do not remove the portlight from the boat. With the portlight in
place remove as much of the gasket material from [the horizontal joints on]
the outside frame as possible and replace with silicone sealant." I taped
each side and applied as much silicon sealant as I could force into the
joint. The leaks are gone! Good luck.


John Stetson
Morning Star...Again
Hull #578
Shelburne, VT

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

Thanks to all who replied. Even alternate sources want about $50. I'm likely to go to the hardware store and find a suitable replacement. They make a wide range of them for refrigerators etc. I'll let you know if I find one.

And I'll try the "clean and AmorAll" approach too.

John, I've got the "new style" that doesn't use o-rings and the leak is definitely where the rubber meets the window.

Pat
Pat Tormey
s/v Blues Skies
Newport RI

[John Meyers via C320-list]

I had leaks on all four main salon hatches and tried all sorts of things
including everything mentioned in this string. I have a 1997 C320. The
windows were almost non transparent with checks etc. So I bit the bullet
and ordered 4 new windows from West Marine. I was fearing taking the old
ones out with a chisel or a sledge hammer. Actually it wasn't hard at all.
After taking the screws out the hatch almost fell out on it's own. In
retrospect, all I would have needed was to clean out the old caulk
and recaulk with butyl caulking (not tape) and reattach. But since the
glass was in such terrible shape I did the whole replacement and am very
happy with the results and NO LEAKS. Yes, it might be "boat owners penalty
tax" but it only hurts when you pay for it.

John Meyers
Muskegon, MI
Wind Chime #406

On Wed, Sep 20, 2023 at 10:55 AM ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <