Replacing fixed ports on a 93 MKI

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Gsmith's picture
Gsmith
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Joined: 11/25/10
Posts: 117
Replacing fixed ports on a 93 MKI

Hello, I'm in the final process of purchasing a 93 MkI. During the survey we discovered a hairline crack in the aft fixed port over the galley. My search of the topic didn't return any hits so wondering if anyone has experience with this repair and or sources for the part?

Thanks
Gary

Gary Smith
93 MK I, Hull #1231
Std rig; wing keel
M35A Oberdorfer conversion
 

nelson
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Joined: 6/23/08
Posts: 89

There have been some postings on this site, and on the C34 site, but they may be old threads.

I am aware of three sources for replacement ports:
[url]www.catalinadirect.com[/url]
[url]www.catalinaowners.com[/url]
[url]www.cruising[/url] concepts.com

I have not looked into this in detail, but I think they all have slightly different systems for installation. I need to do this myself, as my ports are severely degraded from UV exposure.

I'm sure you will get some better and more relevant responses from folks who actually have done the replacement. I know some people have the windows cut themselves, which is probably the cheapest way to go.

Good luck

Nelson Lee

Nelson Lee, "Stella," 2002 C36, hull 2069, Universal M35BC, berthed Sausalito, CA

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Gary Teeter
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Joined: 3/10/08
Posts: 49

I replaced the two fixed ports on the port side my 1989 model, which I think are the same as yours last year. I have the replacement ports ready for the starboard side, and will install them this summer. Here is how I did it.

First I removed by old ports by making two holes in the old sealant on opposite ends of the port, inserting a piece of strong wire through the holes so both ends are outside the boat, and then sawing through the old sealant with the wire. I used multistrand fishing leader for the wire, and grabbed the ends of the wire with vicegrip pliers.

I then cleaned up the old ports that I had removed, and repaired any chipped areas along the edge with epoxy. I took the old ports to a local plastics supplier, I used TAP plastics, and asked them to use the old ports as a pattern, and make new ones from 1/4" smoked acrylic. The total cost for 4 ports was $112. They even applied the 45 degree bevel to the edges, remember to bevel different sides for the port and starboard ports.

I installed the ports with Dow Corning 795 sealant. I believe this is the same sealant used originally by Catalina. It is a good idea to look at the application data on Dow Cornings web site, especially bead shape and curing time. Mask everywhere you don't want sealant, and overfill the joint. The cured sealant is extremely easy to trim to the desired final profile with a razor blade.

Gary Teeter
1989 C36 "AnnieG"
Std Rig #966, M25xp
Everett, WA

nelson
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Joined: 6/23/08
Posts: 89

I want to correct my earlier post. The replacement ports I was referring to are made by cruising concepts. They are also sold, I believe, on catalinaowners.com, which I believe is affilated with sailboats.com.

Also, if you use the search function on this board and look for "replacement window", you will find a couple of threads, the latest in 2010, which describe some other alternatives.

--Nelson Lee

Nelson Lee, "Stella," 2002 C36, hull 2069, Universal M35BC, berthed Sausalito, CA

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