Trying to get info on replacing my port lights. the one opposite the heads leaks and I'd like to rebed them all and instead of replacing them with new ones. Has anyone tackled that job and if so, how did you do it and what were the hazards and pitfalls?? thanks, J.Romero S/V My Amy 87 Hunter31
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Pretty easy stuff
There are a couple of things you might want to upgrade while you are there. Thru bolting the inside to the outside fittings is always recommended as is sealing the surface between the inner and outer fiberglass. Like most re-seals it is just a matter of taking the old part off with out tearing up stuff, cleaning the surfaces, and then re-installing. The problems come when the hardware attaching the frames can't be used again due to either damaging the head or the (with screws) the threads don't have anything to hold on to and you have to replace/fix them
There are a couple of things you might want to upgrade while you are there. Thru bolting the inside to the outside fittings is always recommended as is sealing the surface between the inner and outer fiberglass. Like most re-seals it is just a matter of taking the old part off with out tearing up stuff, cleaning the surfaces, and then re-installing. The problems come when the hardware attaching the frames can't be used again due to either damaging the head or the (with screws) the threads don't have anything to hold on to and you have to replace/fix them
Trimatrix Ports for the Price
Over a year and a half ago I replaced every port on my 1978 HC33 with the Trimatrix ports from New Found Metals in Port Townsend, WA. They are very reasponably priced, rugged and good looking. I am very pleased to this day that I replaced all my cheap original ports with these new ports. Go to www.newfoundmetals.com and see them for yourself.
Over a year and a half ago I replaced every port on my 1978 HC33 with the Trimatrix ports from New Found Metals in Port Townsend, WA. They are very reasponably priced, rugged and good looking. I am very pleased to this day that I replaced all my cheap original ports with these new ports. Go to www.newfoundmetals.com and see them for yourself.
Rebedding
When you have removed the port and cleaned everything up, make sure that there is adequate space all around the port, probably a minimum 1/4" clearance, to ensure that you can effectively squeeze a good volume of sealant into this space. If necessary open up the hole with a sabre saw to create the space. I found one of my leaky ports had almost no clearance to the hull and thus little or no sealant had been put in place.
When you have removed the port and cleaned everything up, make sure that there is adequate space all around the port, probably a minimum 1/4" clearance, to ensure that you can effectively squeeze a good volume of sealant into this space. If necessary open up the hole with a sabre saw to create the space. I found one of my leaky ports had almost no clearance to the hull and thus little or no sealant had been put in place.
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