[C320-list] Opening Port gasket alternatives

[John Meyers]

I had leaks on all four main salon hatches and tried all sorts of things
including everything mentioned in this string. I have a 1997 C320. The
windows were almost non transparent with checks etc. So I bit the bullet
and ordered 4 new  windows from West Marine. I was fearing taking the old
ones out with a chisel or a sledge hammer. Actually it wasn't hard at all.
After taking the screws out the hatch almost fell out on it's own. In
retrospect, all I would have needed was to clean out the old caulk
and recaulk with butyl caulking (not tape) and reattach. But since the
glass was in such terrible shape I did the whole replacement and am very
happy with the results and NO LEAKS. Yes, it might be "boat owners penalty
tax" but it only hurts when you pay for it.

John Meyers
Muskegon, MI
Wind Chime #406

On Wed, Sep 20, 2023 at 10:55 AM ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> Thanks to all who replied. Even alternate sources want about $50. I'm
> likely to go to the hardware store and find a suitable replacement. They
> make a wide range of them for refrigerators etc.   I'll let you know if I
> find one.
>
> And I'll try the "clean and AmorAll" approach too.
>
> John, I've got the "new style" that doesn't use o-rings and the leak is
> definitely where the rubber meets the window.
>
>
>
> Pat
> Pat Tormey
> s/v Blues Skies
> Newport RI
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
> John Stetson via C320-list
> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 10:34 AM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Cc: John Stetson <jbstetson721 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Opening Port gasket alternatives
>
> I had an issue with the portlights leaking also.  I talked with Lewmar,
> who provided a fix.  Mine are the "old standard" used on boats from 1980 to
> 1998.  They are about 7-1/2" by about 14-1/2" , with the rotating locking
> dogs on the interior.  There are two horizontal joints on the exterior of
> the frame, one on each side.  I had talked with Catalina Direct, who first
> suggested o-ring replacement, which I did, and then tried the silicone
> grease to soften the gaskets, both with no resolution.  Lewmar provided a
> fix for frame leaks, which I have attached.  It is simple - "To fix the
> leak, do not remove the portlight from the boat.  With the portlight in
> place remove as much of the gasket material from [the horizontal joints on]
> the outside frame as possible and replace with silicone sealant."  I taped
> each side and applied as much silicon sealant as I could force into the
> joint.  The leaks are gone!  Good luck.
>
>
> John Stetson
> Morning Star...Again
> Hull #578
> Shelburne, VT
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 4:56 PM Dave Hupe via C320-list <
> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> > Another resource:
> > https://hatchmasters.com/
> > Dave Hupe
> > 1994 C320 #32
> >
> > Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
> >
> >   On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 12:39 PM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list<
> > c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:   #1037 2005 seems to have
> Lewmar
> > 7-1/2" x 14-7/16" port lights.
> >
> > I can't believe that I'd have to pay nearly $60 to replace the simple
> > rubber gasket. Has anybody found a better solution that doesn't come
> > with a 'boat owner' penalty tax?
> >
> > thanks
> >
> > Pat
> > Pat Tormey
> > s/v Blues Skies
> > Newport RI
> >
> >
> >
>