[C320-list] Hull #514

[Warren Updike]

Troy and Kim, welcome to the C320 club. FYI, all the messages on this list are archived on a Google group, here: http://groups.google.com/group/c320-list Be sure to search here for information of your interest.
Are you sure your leak is from the gasket/frame? Common port leaks are also from the lock handles. There are "O" rings in the handles that can be replaced. Also, the screw can adjust the tension on the closure. 
Many of us with the split-ring frame have found that where the gasket is visible in the split from the outside can be a source of leak. It may not be necessary to pull the port and replace the whole gasket, a job which I hear is a real bear. I've pulled out the parts of the gasket in the ring split, taped, and filled with black LifeCalk. The repair is water-tight, looks good, and has held for more than 5 years.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Troy Dunn [mailto:troutwarrior at gmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 8:41 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Hull #514

Hello all-

Thank you for all the great information and posts from fellow 320 owners.
My wife and I recently purchased Hull #514, and this 'forum' has been very
helpful throughout the purchase process and in answering some very basic
questions that might have elicited a chuckle or two from the crowd.

The previous owner of our boat treated her well, and we have relatively few
'projects' to attend to while we learn her quirks.  So far we've only been
able to get her out a couple of times since closing.   We nosed her out for
a couple of hours mid morning this Sunday but anyone who sails on the upper
Chesapeake can tell you it wasn't a good day to be out in an unfamiliar
vessel.

The only real project we must attend to relatively quickly is a starboard
opening port light that has just a tad of moisture in the surrounding
deck.  I think this probably means that our hull does not have a solid
fiberglass cut out for this port.   Before I pull the port and replace and
rebed a new port light I was wondering if anyone with a close hull number
can tell me if they have exposed core where these ports are?  Or do they
all have exposed core? I'm currently planning to remediate the core and use
epoxy to seal out moisture in the future.  I've been delaying this project
in anticipation of a prolonged project if I need to attend to any core
issues, but I need to get going soon.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Troy and Kim Dunn
Hull #514, (still working on the name)
Tidewater Marina, Havre De Grace, MD