Does anyone have any experience with leaking port light windows? I have a 95 31 Open and found salt water on the cabin sole yesterday when I took her out. So far I have chased it up to the forward port side window showing only moderate leaking ( on the sole was a good size puddle). Also found signs of older leaking around the window in the galley. I also noticed a clear caulk on the exterior around the frame of the screen making the screen not removable, I don't think it was that way from the factory so maybe I'm finding an older leak that has returned, if so it is time to fix correctly. Any knowledge in this area would be much appreciated, thanks guys.
What were the sea conditions when you went out? Assuming you have similar windows to our 2003 open, where they have the metal frame with gasket and screen and an acrylic window material that flips up, be sure the 3 nylon dogs that hold the window closed are tight. Occasionally when running at cruise in heavy following seas (4-5+'), we'll get some water that forces its way in when the boat loads up into a wave (effectively submerging the port light windows) even with the dogs tightly holding the acrylic window against its gasket... Thankfully we're in fresh water.
If this isn't the case, do you see any signs of leaks (rust or water stains) around the window frame itself? We removed ours last winter when I had the hull painted and didn't notice any signs of leaking around the frames. It wasn't a horrible job, but not something I'd want to do unless you're fairly certain that is where its leaking from.
I have one that is leaking a little bit. When I had my boat surveyed, they surveyor recommended rebedding the portlight. I planned on doing it this spring but couldnt get to my boat because the marina was closed due to the pandemic. My plan is to remove the inner portion, then the exterior metal frame, cleaning everything up, rebedding the exterior frame, replacing the rubber gasket (already purchased), and then reinstalling the interior window. Probably going to be a Memorial day weekend project. But my leak shows a little wet below the window and somehow makes it to the carpet on the floor. Only occurs when I'm out in rough seas or we get a hard rain from the NE hitting that side of my boat. Nothing major, but irritating.
Thanks Maxwell and Misdirection for your response, sounds like we all have similar issues. Yes the seas where rough and was pounding on the port side. I’m thinking my course of action will be removing all the screws, filling the screw holes with 4200 and replace screws, removing the (2) dogs, clean and get them to tighten down good, and if I could get the screens out I could clean up the gasket and check the condition and also clean up where the gasket Tightens down on the frame. I would like to avoid pulling the port lights out, has anyone removed the trim ring from the inside? if that is not to difficult more of the issue might be revealed.
Thank you all for any advise.
Hopefully, I'll be doing mine with in the next couple of weeks and I'll report back. I'll be removing the inner half before taking the outside trim off. I have watched every youtube video I can find on rebedding portlights and I think I'm ready!
So I took care of my leaky window (I hope) this weekend. It wasnt that bad too do. Removed all the screws from the inside and worked it out. Mine had a bead of silicone on the outside around where the two mate up. Ran a razor blade around that and it came right out.
Cleaned that portion all up and used paint thinner to get the last of the silicone off.
I am pretty sure my water intrusion was from the outside ring. But I was afraid to take mine off for fear of bending it. So I ran the razor blade around its outside edge between it and the fiberglass. Then I took a tube of boat life, cut the opening as small as I could, and put a bead around the outside ring. Then I used a DAP tool to make a nice smooth edge and remove the excess. Reassembled, used silicon between the inner and outer pieces and reinstalled the screws. Took about 2 hours all said and done. Looks good and hopefully water tight.
Rebedding them is easy. But if its a small leak, there's a product you can buy (can't think of the name) which is a clear liquid you run along the port window and the hull on the outside that seeps into the small gap and seals it when it drys. Leaves no residue. Worked great on my last boat. But again, rebedding is probably the best solution.
The following 1 user Likes recppd's post:1 user Likes recppd's post Misdirection (07-17-2020)
![[-]](https://www.tiaraownersclub.com/forum/images/netpen-pro/collapse.png)
