[C320-list] Lewmar port leaks

[Jamie Pett]

Warren  - Don't think my other message to you came through - I had a small video of the offending leak attached to it.

Having done what you suggest below a couple weeks ago, and having the inner plastic frames removed, I am pretty confident the water is coming through right at the latch itself, so I am interested in your 'O' ring solution.

How do you get the latch apart ? I can't see any fasteners on mine.  I have what Lewmar calls the 'old style' portlights, so I suspect it is exactly the same as yours...

Is the 'O' ring on the exterior of the plexi lens ? 

I wrote to Lewmar and so far no response.

Thanks - Jamie 


Jamie Pett
Bella Luna #614





-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2016 1:32 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Lewmar port leaks

FYI re port light gasket on older 320s. My understanding is that the gasket showing in the two slots of the external ring is actually part of the whole gasket that seals the frame. Because it is exposed to the Sun, it deteriorates over time. Many of us have solved the problem by tearing out that visible part of the gasket and filling with a material like LifeCalk. 
LifeCalk, like most boat adhesives, can be messy to work with. When I did our port slots, I lined all four edges of each slot with masking tape, then applied the (black) adhesive smoothing it out with a soft plastic scraper (don't know the name, also used for smoothing boat names when applying.) Once cured, and the tape removed, it looked quite good... professional even.
That was 4-5 years ago and still looks good and remains watertight.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Jamie Pett [mailto:JPett at jp2architects.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2016 10:30 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Lewmar port leaks

Ted - thanks. I re- caulked  those and unfortunately it didn't solve the problem. Did what you suggested - used a small flat screwdriver and pulled out the old material - you called it a gasket but I think is was a putty on my boat- then re-caulked them. I used Boatlife, which was a mistake as it was hard to work with but still formed a good seal.  Nevertheless , still have one window leaking right at the latches.

Warren may be on to something if there is a bad o ring at the latch that would explain it.  

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 17, 2016, at 5:19 PM, "tharrison at innovations-plus.com"
<tharrison at innovations-plus.com> wrote:
> 
> The window comes in two parts, a top and a bottom. Between the top and 
> bottom right at the connection points on both sides there is a gasket. 
> One on each side. You have to dig this out with a pick. I worked on 
> this for
two
> years trying to stop the window leaks. Then a wise gentleman (Jeff) 
> told
me
> about the gaskets
> 
> It is most likely the source of your leak. It takes about 30 minutes 
> per window to clean, tape and fill. Let dry for a few hours and I am 
> done with my leaks.
> 
> Ted
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On 
> Behalf Of Jamie Pett
> Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2016 4:29 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Lewmar port leaks
> 
> Ted - not sure what gasket you mean ? I recalled the small horizontal
seams
> on the window frame bit have not re- bedded the entire window. The 
> water looks like it is entering at the latch.  -J
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>>> On Jul 17, 2016, at 2:02 PM, "tharrison at innovations-plus.com"
>> <tharrison at innovations-plus.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I had the same problem and Jeff provided my answer.
>> 
>> Did you remove the gasket between the two half window frame. I pull 
>> this out and sealed with 4200 and not a leak this year at all.
>> 
>> Ted
>> Hull 424 1997
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On 
>> Behalf Of Jamie Pett
>> Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2016 1:58 PM
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Subject: [C320-list] Lewmar port leaks
>> 
>> Help! I know there are a number of posts and I read as many as I 
>> could find re the operable ports leaking. I have thoroughly cleaned 
>> the glass
> and
>> cleaned the seals with Armoural.   
>> 
>> I have re-caulked the exterior small horizontal seams in the frames. 
>> 
>> I have removed the inner plastic frame covers and tightened all the 
>> mounting screws.
>> 
>> My port side  remains leaking, mostly the aft port light. 
>> 
>> The leaks seem to be right at the dog or bolt that holds the port 
>> light closed. The dog seems tight and secure and I cannot figure out 
>> even how to remove it and check it further.
>> 
>> Any insight is appreciated. It rained hard last night and I got 
>> easily a pint of water through this light, soaked the port settee, 
>> the locker cover etc.
>> 
>> Thanks - Jamie
>> Bella Luna # 614
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>