I am replacing two of my port windows. The standard window was a bomar. Will they come out without any difficulty? Or, do I need some type of solution to soften the glue? Also, I just had my mast stepped and put up. When I sailed it, it felt like I had a flat tire. The boat felt like it was falling off the wind. Does this have something to do with the rake on the mast?
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Bomar Ports
I replaced all of the ports on a Hunter 25. Not really that difficult to remove (used a Sheffield "hooked point" knife...Home Depot)to remove all of the cault (also used plastic autobody...JC Whitney...pry tools to remove the outer rings w/o breaking). Once the top edge is free simply push (gently) the port in...of course you've already removed all the inside screws (check twice, I missed 1). The original ports were glased and aged, bought some directly from Bomar, but found that Defender had the same thing (check both for prices). Still may have to redo 1 or 2 (still leak). When the ports were out I used 5200 and dozens of C clamps to join the inside & outside fiberglass together again and let that competely cure before using cault to reinstall the ports.
I replaced all of the ports on a Hunter 25. Not really that difficult to remove (used a Sheffield "hooked point" knife...Home Depot)to remove all of the cault (also used plastic autobody...JC Whitney...pry tools to remove the outer rings w/o breaking). Once the top edge is free simply push (gently) the port in...of course you've already removed all the inside screws (check twice, I missed 1). The original ports were glased and aged, bought some directly from Bomar, but found that Defender had the same thing (check both for prices). Still may have to redo 1 or 2 (still leak). When the ports were out I used 5200 and dozens of C clamps to join the inside & outside fiberglass together again and let that competely cure before using cault to reinstall the ports.
Replaced mine last year
I bought my Bomar Grey ports through the chandlery here at the Hunterowners site. (Click on the chandlery link above). They were cheaper than buying them through any other place. My ports on my 1983 H30 came out real easy just like Bill described above. I scraped off all of the old caulk with plastic scrapers and a small putty knife. on the inside of the holes I used a dremmel tool with a sanding drum to get all of the caulk out. I had to chip out some soggy wood core and fill with epoxy and glass strands to seal the plywood core up. The manufacturer suggested to use 5200 to seal the new ports. Since I might own the boat long enough to have to replace them again, I used Life Caulk It will last long enough and is easier to remove when needed. So far 1 year and no problems.
I bought my Bomar Grey ports through the chandlery here at the Hunterowners site. (Click on the chandlery link above). They were cheaper than buying them through any other place. My ports on my 1983 H30 came out real easy just like Bill described above. I scraped off all of the old caulk with plastic scrapers and a small putty knife. on the inside of the holes I used a dremmel tool with a sanding drum to get all of the caulk out. I had to chip out some soggy wood core and fill with epoxy and glass strands to seal the plywood core up. The manufacturer suggested to use 5200 to seal the new ports. Since I might own the boat long enough to have to replace them again, I used Life Caulk It will last long enough and is easier to remove when needed. So far 1 year and no problems.
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