[C320-list] Port light replacement

[P.F. Ross]

Rene,

Not sure if you are replacing the (opening) portlights with new, or simply
rebedding your existing portlights.  In either case, I assume you are going
after leaks.

If you search for "leaking portlights" you will find much written on the
C320 archives.  Seems like there a few areas that caused leaks in the "old"
style Lemary portlights including 1) the gasket or sealant in the joint
between the upper and lower aluminum frames, 2) the gasket that is captured
in the frame that seals against the plastic lens, 3) the orings that seal
the rotating locking dogs, 4) the bedding sealant between the frame and
cabin gelcoat, and 5) more that I forgot about.

Over the years, I tried fixes on all of these areas with mixed results.
However, I did see several success stories of others.  I finally got fed up
and replaced all seven of my "old" portlights with the newer Lewmar design
that is much superior to the old as far as possible leak paths and latching
(e.g., https://www.defender.com/search.html?q=900365-1-WHI&x=0&y=0).
Expensive at about $200 each but I won't have to mess with them again.

Continuing on my quest for a leak-free boat,

Frank Ross
Beta Wave #206

On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 4:08 PM Rene <rthruston88 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks everyone.  That was very helpful.  Any trips and tricks to the
> replacement?  These are the portlights that open.
>
> Thanks,
> Rene'
> #545
> Little Wing
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
> Karl Krueger
> Sent: Friday, May 7, 2021 1:41 PM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Port light replacement
>
> I just replaced four port light hatches, the cabin ones the open.
>
> I was extremely happy using butyl tape.
>
> Karl Krueger
> Kindred Spirit #282
> Milwaukee WI
>
> On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 12:15 PM Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Which portlights?  Fixed, opening, or "deadlights"?   It matters...
> >
> > For the opening portlights on the cabintop use bed-it butyl tape from
> > compass marine.
> > For the dead lights on the cabin top you need to use a good adhesive
> > sealant that is compatible with your replacement material of choice
> > (polycarbonate or cast acrylic) For the fixed portlights (on the hull)
> > pretty sure butyl tape is the way to go there, but you might want to
> > get some more opinions on that one...
> >
> > Good luck!
> > Troy Dunn
> > Hull #514
> >
> > On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 12:14 PM John Morrison
> > <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > I have used 3M4200. Don’t use 5200 or they’ll never come off!!
> > > JohnM
> > > 1999#574
> > >
> > > Sent from my iPhone
> > >
> > > > On May 7, 2021, at 11:08 AM, P.F. Ross <pfrstl at gmail.com> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Rene,
> > > >
> > > > My guess is that you will get various opinions on this, but I used
> > > > "Bed
> > > It"
> > > > butyl tape as found on Marinehowto.com
> > > >
> > > > https://marinehowto.com/bed-it-tape/
> > > >
> > > > I like this tape best (I have tried others) because it is so
> > > > stretchy
> > and
> > > > sticky (almost too much so).
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > >
> > > > Frank Ross
> > > > Beta Wave #206
> > > >
> > > >> On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 9:33 AM Rene <rthruston88 at gmail.com> wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >> Does anyone have any recommendations for a sealant to replace the
> > > >> port lights?
> > > >> Thanks,
> > > >> Rene'
> > > >> #545
> > > >> Little Wing
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
> --
>
> [image: CRS-Designation-Logo_Horizontal_Color (1)]
>
>
> Karl W Krueger - ABR, CRS, GRI,
> RE/MAX Realty 100
> Phone - 414-322-6541
> Fax - 414-327-6870
>
> Have a smooth sailing day.................................
>
>