Resealing a Lewmar portlight?

[Tim Good]

I notice one of my port lights leaking the other day. They’re 24 years old now so feel it might be time to begin to reseal them.

Here is the one in question. Before I take it off and do the job, has anyone got any wisdom I can benefit from beforehand?

 

[dje67]

Had the same problem with that model. It will likely be degradation of the 2 fill-in gaskets at the sides of the top and bottom outer frames. They shrink and let in water. Easy fix - they can be gouged out. Then put masking tape around the two open joints and fill with an exterior sealant. I used light grey CT1 which looks exactly like the original gaskets. No leaks on mine since I did them (10 port lights in total)

 

[Tim Good]

No leaks on mine since I did them (10 port lights in total)

How long ago was that?

 

[dje67]

Probably 5-6 years ago.

 

[Tim Good]

Probably 5-6 years ago.

I’m not usually a fan of using sealant when exposed to UV. A gasket would have a longer lifespan no?

 

[Hacker]

Butyl is your friend

 

[Pye_End]

Check exactly where the water is coming in so that you are sealing the right bit. Your photo looks non-opening? If so, you don't have to worry about the hinges and catches etc!

If you needto take the whole thing off, the stainless bolts may be a struggle to get out. I used a good old brace and bits which gave good pressure and torque, but did break one. Re-seal with Arbo-BR or other sealant of your choice.

 

[Tim Good]

Re-seal with Arbo-BR or other sealant of your choice.

And do away with the original gasket entirely?

 

[dje67]

The leaks I had were not from the join between the frame and the hull; they were entirely from the 2 horizontal gaskets on the outer frame. Initially I tried to remove an entire port light, but ended up breaking a couple of screws and learned an entire new swear vocabulary.... I’d try the small gasket replacement first before trying anything more destructive. Took 20 minutes per port.

 

[dje67]

The leaks I had were not from the join between the frame and the hull; they were entirely from the 2 horizontal gaskets on the outer frame. Initially I tried to remove an entire port light, but ended up breaking a couple of screws and learned an entire new swear vocabulary.... I’d try the small gasket replacement first before trying anything more destructive. Took 20 minutes per port.

Just realised your ports are different - non opening. Mine were the hinged opening type. Might be a similar repair, though.

 

[Pye_End]

And do away with the original gasket entirely?

You could try it - nothing to lose. Is it neoprene or similar? Has it any 'spring' left in it?