[C320-list] Emergency Tiller Port/Hatch

[Dave Hupe]

 Ade- I thought about trying such grease to try to increase the seal, but haven't yet tried it.  It makes sense this might help since there really is no hydraulic head involved to seal against. I will give it a go. Thanks!
Dave Hupe1994 C320 (#32)
    On Sunday, October 4, 2020, 08:01:37 PM EDT, Ade Bateman <ade.bateman at outlook.com> wrote:  
 
 I think that is the Bomar deck plate and I had the same issue when I originally installed it. The previous one was completely cracked when I bought the boat and the replacement still let in a fair amount of water. However, I used some Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease all around the seal of the removable plate and reinserted it and since then it has been watertight (almost 4 years).

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Dave Hupe
Sent: Sunday, October 4, 2020 11:52 AM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Emergency Tiller Port/Hatch

I replaced my emergency tiller port in 2017 after discovering that it was the source of a big leak.  I used this https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-270/hull-deck/cockpit/inspection-port-8-38quot-od/ .
The replacement helped significantly to reduce/eliminate leakage into the stern.  However, the seal was not very tight to begin with even when new, and I'm getting a fair amount of leakage again.   
Has anyone found a better port/hatch replacement?  I'm thinking one with a screw-in cap might be better to get a water seal (although I understand it would be more difficult to remove, especially if not opened routinely). Ideally a replacement would mount using the same mount holes (I know, I'm dreaming). 
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 (#32)
Holland, MI