replacement of port in head

[newboatowner]

Good morning to all. Hope you are having an enjoyable and healthy summer.
I was caught in a horrific rain storm last week that dumped 2 inches per hour. I found that the port head was leaking like a sieve. The boat was built in 1980 and the original one is in place. It slides back and forth on channels and I later found that there was no material left to prevent leaking.
I would like to change it altogether. I took off the inside frame and found that the cut out is 6x15. I am not absolutely sure of the cut out radius but it might be 2 1/16th. The outide frame is brushed aluminum.
Can anyone suggest what type of port I can use for a replacement and where I can get one?. I need it to open but I am not married to a slider.

 

[jrowan]

I believe the slider type port is well known for leakage. You can't get a good seal or gasket on a slider. I replaced my original, also 1980 era fixed port with a Lewmar #2 size Ocean series operable port. It was relatively easy to install with a very slight enlargement for the portlights perimeter of fiberglass with a jig saw. The Lewmar ports are kinda expensive but I got them on sale online at W. Marine & they have good seals, no leaks.
The window screens are a bit of a pain though, because the new rubber is so stiff that it likes to try & pop the screens out when you go to close the ports. It seams to get easier to open & close with more use. Some sailors like the cheaper plastic Beckson ports that come with newer C 30's but I think that the brushed stainless frames of the Lewmar look better & are more durable then plastic that can crack. Butyl tape is recommended by everyone to seal the perimeter of the fiberglass port opening during install. My glass & wood core was in surprisingly good shape for 32 years old. It was sealed/ rebedded with the butyl tape at some point. Good luck.

 

[newboatowner]

Thanks for the reply. I did finally order a Bomar series 2000 from Defender. Time was a consideration and they had one on hand. I hope that Bomar compares favorably with Lewmar.
Where did you get the butyl tape? I have heard that this is far better than silicone sealant.

 

[Patrice]

Usually a car glass repair shop could sell you some good butyl tape.