My 1998 Catalina 42 MKII is plagued by drippy windows, the 6 side windows that open. Over the life of the original Lewmar windows they have slightly rippled from the force of being dogged down. The seals require replacing and while expensive, they are available and I will try that. Seals may not be the only problem. But the acrylic panes seem difficult to get as well as expensive. Has anyone had new panes fabricated? Flipping the acrylic pane provided only some success. The windows may also need re-bedding, there is some indication of weeping that may be more than condensation. Any experience with that process on this year and model?
Leaking 'old standard' Lewmar opening ports
- Thread starter Don Craigmyle
- Start date
Different boat but thus might be some help.
http://rarerarebird.blogspot.com/2015/08/fixing-leaking-ports.html
http://rarerarebird.blogspot.com/2015/08/fixing-leaking-ports.html
Thank you Jackdaw, that was very helpful and encouraging. I have replaced the O rings, that wasn't the cause. Probably the seals. They are now $32+ in Canada. I also noticed that if the lenses were just 1/16" larger all around they would make better contact with the seal and still fit the frame. But maybe they expand when it is warmer? If I were to have new lenses fabricated because the old ones are marked and misshaped I was considering adding that 1/16". Has anyone done this?
Don,
I bought seals for my window on my 1995 C400 old style last year and never got around to it.
When I stopped by the Catalina plant they had some old units that where never installed so I plan on replacing
my ports this spring. I have 6 of the larger and 2 of the smaller let me know if you want to buy them?
Ron Groth
Elixir USA037
I bought seals for my window on my 1995 C400 old style last year and never got around to it.
When I stopped by the Catalina plant they had some old units that where never installed so I plan on replacing
my ports this spring. I have 6 of the larger and 2 of the smaller let me know if you want to buy them?
Ron Groth
Elixir USA037
I had one made, seals replaced and O-Ring replacements.
I used...
http://www.hatchmasters.com/index.php?cPath=205
Tony, their guru, was fantastic and the new window matched tints, had thicker pane, perfect clarity and zero leaks.
I, at first. freaked about the apparent thickness increase, called and was explained the hows and whys, by Tony.
This company was given the CAD/CAM drawings (in other words all cuts were the same as Lewmar did) for the OLD style, by Lewmar. So it is perfect dimensionally on gasket surface.
They offset the improved thickness buy "insetting" the dogs.
They offer a simple "first try" leak stop kit for <$10.
http://www.hatchmasters.com/product...d=146&osCsid=0343dd7afd56298fc9fb7feb6f65b440
I had 4 different port lights sizes, all leaks stopped on 6 windows and one replaced for around $150.
Jim...
PS: I never re-bedded one port light.
Thanks Ron & Jim. I installed one new seal today, I'll know in tomorrow's rain how successful that was. So thanks Ron but I won't need to buy more parts. That is a great website Jim, even if it is on the far side (from me) of the continent!
The biggest problem and most time consuming was picking the old silicone out of the slot in the frame. Any easy ways? I have more seals to install.
The biggest problem and most time consuming was picking the old silicone out of the slot in the frame. Any easy ways? I have more seals to install.
You might try this...
http://www.dowcorning.com/DataFiles/090276fe8018f115.pdf
For cured silicone based sealants.
Jim...
I used a small piece of rough cloth folded in half to fit into the slot. Rubbed it back and forth fast to generate from friction and heat. The silicone balled up and rolled off.