Bedding Fixed Port Hole

[NICK1951]

Maine,

Thank you for the good information. I purchased butyl tape from you this morning. I plan to resize alternator wires, add overcurrent protection, replace a battery isolator with a Blue sea ACR and modify the program settings on my Balmar 614. I would not have the confidence to do this without your posts.

MY QUESTION:

I own a 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 400. The fixed port hole (window) in the port quarter berth leaks. The port hole is not fastened with screws. Beneteau suggested I dig out the bedding from the boat's outside and apply silicone calk. I am not comfortable with this solution.

Can you offer any direction. Thanks.

Nick

 

[Maine Sail]

Maine,

Thank you for the good information. I purchased butyl tape from you this morning. I plan to resize alternator wires, add overcurrent protection, replace a battery isolator with a Blue sea ACR and modify the program settings on my Balmar 614. I would not have the confidence to do this without your posts.

MY QUESTION:

I own a 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 400. The fixed port hole (window) in the port quarter berth leaks. The port hole is not fastened with screws. Beneteau suggested I dig out the bedding from the boat's outside and apply silicone calk. I am not comfortable with this solution.

Can you offer any direction. Thanks.

Nick

Those ports are usually installed with a product such as Dow 795 structural glazing silicone.. Polysulfide, polyether and polyurethanes (except Sikaflex 295UV with special primer) can damage cast acrylic and polycarbonate so are contra indicated.. You will need to remove it, clean ALL SILICONE RESIDUE from the hull and port then use some shims when re-bedding it (about 1/16" gap between port and hull) to allow for thermal expansion..

Bed-It could be used for the shim, around the inner most lip, but the structural bond should be made with the Dow 795...

 

[NICK1951]

Maine,

Thanks, your the best.

Nick