Reseal C27 Portholes

[Eric]

I'm trying to reseal the main cabin portholes in our 1980 C27. I've taken the aluminum trim ring off from the inside along with the rubber gasket. That is where I get confused!From the outside, I have caulked around the aluminum trim, but this seems to do no good.Anyone have experience with porthole leaks?

 

[Bob Camarena]

Sealing the Port

I had good luck on my C-30 with marine grade silicon. Let the seal set up before you tighten the screws all the way. Tightening down after it sets, compresses the silicon "gasket" and improves the seal. If your problem is not the seal between the frame and the cabin, you may have a faulty gasket holding the window. If that's the case you should see if Catalina can provide a replacement.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Silicon

It is unclear what kind of "caulking" you've used. Bathtub caulk? Silicon? 5200? In reinstalling portlites, I'd recommend using 3M's 4200 or Sikaflex as both of these are "removeable". Remember the old axiom: 5200 is for life! Forget bathtub caulk, which is silicon based. This would lead to the conclusion that marine grade silicon would probably have a shorter lifespan than 4200, etc.Where was the leak coming from anyway? Around the glass or trim? If you've gone so far as to remove the interior ring & replaced that gasket, you might as well remove the exterior portion and completely clean off the old sealant & rebed w/4200. This should give you a complete (hermetic, if you will) seal. Good luck!LaDonna

 

[Richard]

nobody makes these windows anymore

Whatever you do you are on your own. I had the same problem and got away with silicone around the outside of the windows where they meet the hull. I understand from the sail.net site that nobody makes these windows anymore or the seals. Good luck.