Fixed Ports

[Jim McClung]

I sail a Hunter 31, 1983. I am about to pull out and rebed the fixed ports in the main salon. Has anyone done this? Are there any special things to watch for. Thanks, Jim McClung, SV Drum.

 

[Gary]

Why? are they leaking?

I was about to do the same to mine due to leaking, before I realized that the water might not be coming from outside the ports, but from the mast base. If water comes thru the mast base it runs to several places via the interior of the cabin top, including the fixed ports, and leaks into the cabin. In other words, just because water leaks from the fixed ports, it doesn't necessarily originate there. You should check the archives, as there is much valuable info regarding rebedding ports as well as leak remedies. Good luck.

 

[NagMeKnot]

Replacing the fixed ports

I just replaced mine for the same reason, and was I surprised...trying to take the ports out I broke the frame on the outside, you can not just replace the plexiglass, you have to replace the entire frame and plexiglass as it is made that way. I ordered replacements from Mark Plastice 369 E. Harrison St. Unit "G" Corona, Ca. 92879 (He originally made Hunters fixed ports) cost was $200.00 each including freight. After removing the port I found that the inner hull liner and the outer hull liner separated from the plywood that was epoxied between the two in places and had rotted due to the intrusinon of water. I used liquid rot repair and strengthen the plywood, and 5300 to attache the inner liner and the outer liner back to the plywood, I put screws all around the cut out hole to hold the liners in place while the 5200 cured. I then replaced with the new ports and caulked extensively any voids that I could find. No leaks in a year, Good Luck, Guy PS. the water was coming from somewhere else and not from the outside of the port (i.e. window)Nag Me Knot is a 1984 Hunter 31

 

[Jim McClung]

Thanks

Thanks for the insight. I will check the archives before i make a move. I agree, the water is coming in from somewhere else. But, the truth will out when I take it apart. Thanks again, I will test my work on a sail from Houston to Boston, Mass. Jim McClung.

 

[Jim]

Not that hard

I removed mine for the same reason. I had a drip from the aft corner. I wasn't sure where it was coming from, although it appeared it was leaking from the window. I removed the fixed port by removing the inside screws and removing the frame. This allows you to see where the water is coming from. Mine was leaking from the port itself. On the outside the window seamed tight, but indeed was leaking. I used a Stanley knife (the one with the break-away blade) and extended the blade to slip between the cabin and the bedding. To do this keep the knife lubricated with liquid saop and it will slide threw like butter. I then simply popped the window out, cleaned the surfaces and rebedded. One window took less than one hour.