[C320-list] Leaking Opening Port

[Rick Sulewski]

  FYI - something to consider when replacing port lights :

Last year I discovered a way to easily remove/release each frame from the hull in less than 20 seconds each without damage and without prying off the frame from the exterior side (after removing all of the inside frame retaining screws).
I simply leaned against the frame from the inside with a screw driver placed first in the  middle of each side for about 3-5 seconds and then in the middle of the lower frame section for a few seconds before I could simply push the frame off the hull. Used "Goof Off" to easily remove the old sealant from the hull in about 3 minutes for each port after briefly scrapping off a small amount of old excess sealant left after the frame released.  Most of the time was spent liberally prepping the new frames with Bed It butyl rubber sealant. Installed each port from the inside to place it against the exterior side of the hull from the inside without the need for an extra pair of hands. Drew the frames tighter with the interior frame ring over several minutes to squeeze out the excess sealant that was easily removed from the exterior of the hull  a few days later with a razor blade.

Rick Sulewski
My-Ria 95' 320 #277


-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Scott Westwood
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 7:14 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com; Christian
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Leaking Opening Port

I agree with John M.  Our boat had the same leaking port(s).  The outside split frame did it.  I dug out the "s" gasket. and crammed in Bytle tape sealant (comes on a roll from Lowes/HD in the window weatherstripping department) and no leaks since.
I went around the whole boat 3 years ago and did every split frame.  No leaks "there" since. Thanks, Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538     C (919)-618-7185 

      From: sail-ability sail-ability <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
 To: Christian <ccaper at gmail.com>; c320-list <c320-list at catalina320.com>
 Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 2:18 PM
 Subject: Re: [C320-list] Leaking Opening Port
   
  There should be an article on our website on how to fix this. U need to
  replace the "S" gasket between the two haves of the frame. did mine 7
  years ago and no leaks to date.

  Cheers

  JohnM

  1999#574

    ---------- Original Message ----------
    From: Christian <ccaper at gmail.com>
    Date: October 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM
    My fore most, starboard side, opening port light is leaking pretty
    bad.
    This opening port light is the original Lewmar model (aka Old Std),
    original Plexiglas. I've replaced the O rings in the dog ears. I've
    replaced the Plexiglas gasket. I've tightened all frame screws.
    Still
    leaking badly.
    I now believe the leak is coming from the aluminum frame, and should
    be
    rebedded.
    Any pointers for doing this job? Don't see any material on
    CatalinaDirect
    for suggested material for rebedding (but plan on contacting them
    shortly
    for suggestions). I have some of marine compass' butyl tape arriving
    later
    this week (for another job). But I'm guessing since it's not a high
    flex/stress area, there is probably better bedding material.
    Thanks,
    Christian Caperton
    1994 C320 "Canuck" #138
    Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL