[C320-list] Hull #514

[Graeme Clark]

If you DO decide to remove the port-light frames in entirety, a couple of points worth noting: not all the screws are the same length, so note which goes where. Its not that bad a job, you just need to go carefully and take your time. I was able to extract the ports without damage by using a putty knife to slowly work around the gap between frame and hull to free off the grip of the sealant. Over enthusiastic effort there, especially using a lever, will bend the frame.  The source of many of my leaks has been traced to tiny amounts of dirt on the perspex or the rubber seals. Finally I gave up buying new Lewmar port-light seals which are expensive (over here, anyway) and hard to fit, and instead use 8mm neoprene cord that is caulked into the corner of the frame. About $1 a time and replaced in ten minutes every couple of years.

Graeme
366, Jaskar
On 21 May 2016, at 22:13, Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com> wrote:

> Warren and Pattie
> 
> Not sure of anything.   Our surveyor noted some raised moisture level in
> the decking below the port light and reccomended rebedding as our number
> one priority before moving on to more cosmetic items.  We did all the
> reccomended items with all the opening ports, thorough cleaning, armour all
> on the seals, took apart the dogs, tried rejuvenating the orings, etc.   I
> think given the moisture situation, we have little choice but to pull the
> port.   Given the age of the ports if I have to pull it...it gets replaced.
>   I'd be surprised if a leaking o-ring on the dogs would steer moisture
> into the decking...seems like that would just end up running down the
> woodwork, or onto the setee in the cabin?
> 
> Troy and Kim Dunn
> Hull #514, (still working on the name)
> Tidewater Marina, Havre De Grace, MD
> 
> On Saturday, May 21, 2016, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> 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 <javascript:;>]
>> Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 8:41 PM
>> To: C320-List at catalina320.com <javascript:;>
>> 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
>> 
>> 
>> 

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