opening ports

[Ed Crowell]

I've developed leaks in my opening ports on my 1996 Catalina 36mkll. Does anyone have a fix? The seals appear to be in good shape clean etc. They lek on the windward side in heavy or moderate rain. Thanks

 

[Bob Teeter]

I'm not clear if you are talking about the ports or hatches. I have had minor problems with both. Mine appear to have leaked between the frame and the fiberglass. I the hatches have been a greater problem.I have used the blue masking tape to tape off both the metal frame and the fiberglass leaving a 18" space. I have then used sealant and smoothed it out with my finger. I then removed the tape and the problem was solved. Before I applied the tape, I made sure that the area was very clean using a small brush.Hope this helps.Bob

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Temporary fix

Bob, I hate to say this but you know that is just a temporary fix. Eventually the UV from the sun will eat through that exposed sealant (silicone? 5200?) & rot it right away. Not only that, it could be just limiting the water getting through which means that a little water still could be getting in there & you might have wet coring.The sure fire fix is to remove the offending port/hatch & completely rebed it. This will not only "cure" the leak but hopefully prevent any damage to the coring. LaDonna