Leaking portals

[Pete Davenport]

This posting is about portals for a 1981 Hunter 36. I'm looking for advice and/or similar experience with replacing or removing/reinstalling existing portals. Current portals are leaking in two places I think. The obvious one is leaks between the movable opening and the fixed hull mounted part. The next is more curious - somewhere between the outside seal and the hull mounted part. This leak, I think, is what allows water to collect above the internal shell in the cabin ceiling sides and results in water coming out the cabin lights and 120V outlets. These are just drips that leave dark water trails on the fiberglass (but can be wiped off easily). So my questions are:1. Have been trying to find replacement portals. Any suggestions?2. Any advice or experience with removing and reinstalling existing portals.Pete DavenportS/V Betelgeuse III

 

[RON MILLS]

Check Replacing Portals in Archives

There is a wealth of information in the archives under "portals"etc. This will give you information on sources, methods,what kind of caulk,etc.

 

[David]

WAIT Pete!

Don't pull the portlights until you consider the following. I had the same type of leak on my 1981 36' but after pulling the port and starboard portlights I discovered the leak was elsewhere. The leak was a factory defect beneath the seahood. I had to remove the traveler that is installed over the seahood. Next, the seahood over the companionway hatch was removed. On the 36' this is not a watertight seal. In the forward edge of the area beneath the seahood there was a one inch by one inch void that allowed rain water to enter between the cabin top and the overhead beneath it and run down to the outlets. The void was filled and while the portlights were out I dried the plywood core as much as possible before reinstalling the portlights.