Portholes w/ flange hold water and leak. Why the flange?

Ed Schenck · Jan 4, 2011

Re: Portholes w/ flange hold water and leak. Why the flange

Tell me about it. I have eleven opening portlights, all with the frame(spigot) that traps water. But even if the spigots were flush with the outside trim ring it is still recessed enough that water would lay there. I know nothing about the history of "spigots".

One trick is to glue a piece of yarn in each corner and let it hang over an inch or so. This will wick the water away faster than you might imagine. My portlights seal well and do not leak so it just evaporates. After I wash the boat I go around with a sponge to remove the water. I have to remember to have a big towel in hand when I open portlights.

P.S. A friend's H28.5 has what I call shades over his openers. They are a dark acrylic like you see over side car windows. But they don't look like they keep much water out.

walmsleyc · Jan 5, 2011

Re: Portholes w/ flange hold water and leak. Why the flange

If they are Beckson ports, the installation instructions indicate to cut the flange flush with the mounting ring. This will reduce the amount of water collected in them (if they are angle mounted).

Hunter didn't bother doing this on my 87 Legend 35 (probably most others too). I replaced them all, and made them flush. Nicer look, less water, fewer things to bump you ankles on when moving around on deck.

Chris

Ed Schenck · Jan 6, 2011

Re: Portholes w/ flange hold water and leak. Why the flange

So Chris, your thinking is that the spigots are long because the mfg. doesn't know how thick your cabin sides might be. That makes sense I suppose. Problem is that mine are bronze and have a little drain on each end. Cutting them off would reduce the ledge about 1/4" leaving 3/4" for the water to lay in. How will cutting off a Beckson Rain-drain affect it's ability to drain?

healeyman · Jan 8, 2011

Re: Portholes w/ flange hold water and leak. Why the flange

Ed, I like your idea of the wick.... my Hunter 19.5 has the same flange....

What about drilling a hole or two in the lower flange?

Great idea...

Healeyman/Dave

med2463 · Jan 9, 2011

Re: Portholes w/ flange hold water and leak. Why the flange

rortega46 said:
I have a 1991 H28 with 4 opening port holes. Two of these have a flange around the opening and 2 don't. All are mounted ~ 45 degrees from vertical which makes the 2 w/ a flange hold water. This standing water leads to leaks. Does anyone know the purpose of the flange or have a suggestion on how to stop them from holding water?

Our ports were holding water, so I removed the screens and found that the drains were plugged up, so I cleaned them with pipe cleaner. Put screens back in and they now drain better. Guess this will be a periodic maintenance chore.