[C320-list] Leaking portholes fix?

[Rick Sulewski]

Bill,

A short term solution that worked on our hull # 277 was to simply tighten
the frame and compress the gasket. It was amazing how the leaks disappeared
one we tightened all of the frames that had plenty of space between the
shrinking gaskets and the hull. So far that solution has lasted over 4
years. The day will come when I will have to address the gaskets, but in the
meantime, buying some time is working for us.

Rick
My-Ria # 277 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jon Vez
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2011 8:38 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Leaking portholes fix?

Bill,

I had leaking portlights the season before last and addressed it this past
spring. Before you remove the portlight or go after the gasket, try this--

Pull out the grey caulking on each of the horizontal slits in each portlight
and then refill with black UV4000/4200.

I have hull #582 and I started by removing the frame as I saw the cracking
you mention--However I found the caulk was in really good shape and still
quite waterproof under the frames themselves. My experience is that removing
and rebedding the frames and replacing the gasket was unnecessary in my
case. If you can get away with just doing those grey slits you will save a
lot of time and aggravation. You do not have to remove the portlights to do
this job. If you like, I can give you more detail on how to do this job if
this is the approach you choose to take.....

Regards,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bill Sloane
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2011 12:23 PM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Leaking portholes fix?

After 13 wonderful dry years, my 1998 Catalina 320 is starting to leak at
the LEWMAR operable portholes. At first I thought the leak was from the
black rubber interior gasket, but then I looked at the exterior aluminum
frame of the windows and noticed the gasket between the aluminum and the
fiberglass of the cabin top is also cracked.

Has someone had this same problem and fixed it?

Bill Sloane
Endless Summer
Catalina 320, No. 554
Olympia WA