Leaking Lewmar ports

[recess12]

This is a general question about the Lewmar ports on Catalina boats or any boat. Mine have been leaking for awhile and I am trying to stop the leaks. This year I will rebed them. However, I was examining them and the leaks seem to be coming from the gasket. I notice the seam in the outside frame is on top. Other boats I have seen with the same Lewmar port the seam on the frame is on the bottom. Pictures I see, the seam is on the bottom. I am not sure that this is a leak problem but, could be. I would like to know if anyone has the frame seam on the top like mine.

Mike, recess12

 

[Chris Burti]

Not answering your question directly, because I don't recall (and I suspect the seam is not too relevant to your leak as well), but if you don't clean the gasket frequently, it will leak. Water and a paper towel used to wipe down both the gasket and the lens will get the little bit of dirt that works its way in and causes them to leak. It is really amazing how little dirt it takes to make an annoying leak. An annual wipe down with ArmorAll will swell the gasket a bit and help retain flexability.

 

[wrenninger3]

Seam goes on top at hinge

According to the replacement instructions from Lewmar on the portlights on the late 1980 to mid 1990 C30, the seam should be arranged to be at a hinge area which is on top. I had a heck of a time getting a new seal gasket into the frame and to get the port closed. Have only done one of four ports. But that's what the instructions say.