Fix Lewmar Opening Port Leaks

[Murray]

Some of the Lewmar opening ports on my B352 (1998)have developed small leaks. The water seems to be dripping off the little lever on the inside. I have cleaned the glass and the gasket to get rid of any grit, but there are two that still leak. My question is, should I look into replacing the port gasket? I am hoping that a new gasket would provide a better seal and stop the leak. This has been the wettest June and July on record in the Toronto area - it just keeps raining. Any advice out there. Murray

 

[Rick I]

Might not be the gasket

It might be in the joint where the metal frame comes together. This can be fixed by cleaning out the old silicone sealant and replacing with new.

 

[Randy Rohrbeck]

leaks

If you remove the trim piece you'll see some screws. Start by making sure they're tight, if they are remove them and the then the frames, clean and reseal with silicon.

When you're tightening the screws don't tighten all the way until after the sealant has cured.

Good luck.

 

[Bill B281 Dragonfly]

Outside metal frames

Most of the leaks are caused by deteriorated sealer in the joint between the metal frame halves on the outside. Use a small knife, screw driver or dental pick to clean out as much of the old sealer and refill the gap with new silicone sealant (no need to remove the frames). This stopped 5 of my 6 leaking portlight problems. I had to replace the interior gasket on the one that kept leaking.

 

[Bill B281 Dragonfly]

Outside metal frames

Most of the leaks are caused by deteriorated sealer in the joint between the metal frame halves on the outside. Use a small knife, screw driver or dental pick to clean out as much of the old sealer and refill the gap with new silicone sealant (no need to remove the frames). This stopped 5 of my 6 leaking portlight problems. I had to replace the interior gasket on the one that kept leaking.

 

[Mac]

Try simple first

which for me was to wax the seal. They do dry out and not flatten with time. I pick up small leaks (drips) when washing down the boat and use a bee's wax to remoisten the seal. The wax is also very hydrophobic which helps push water out of the glass/rubber seal area. I know the other points are also correct as eveyone has laid out but try give this a try as well. Its easy and keeps the extends the life of the seals.