Hi There,
I have a 1999 Catalina 36 MK2 here in Hong Kong. She was build in California but has lived her entire life here.
I'm looking to replace my gaskets on my Lewmar opening ports. Everything I read tells me I should have the 'new' versionbased on the age of the boat, yet when I look at what I have, it best matches the 'old' style with the dog ears.
The descripton on Catalina direct sounds to describe my unit perfectly...
This gasket kit is for Lewmar aluminum framed opening portlights. The lens in these portlights have no frame surrounding the lens. The ports secure closed with two dogs which rotate open and closed like turning a key in a lock.
Can anyone confirm if the attached from Catalina direct will work?
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/3524_831/opening-port-gasket-kitbrlewmar-old-std.cfm
Seeing that we're coming into the rain season (coupled with the shipping costs to get things here to HK), I'd like to be 100% confident I've got the right replacement gasket in hand before removing the old one.
Many Thanks in advance.
Chuck Buck
I would be more inclined to go with this;
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1112_831/opening-port-ga...
Chuck,
When I first got my C36 in 2003 there were quite a few posts about these windows leaking. I had telltale evidence of the main salon Port side from a wet cushion and staining of the bulkhead behind the cushion. The posts covered all types of cures from new seals, filing down the dogs, and to replacements of the windows. When viewing the seal it is rather simple in that it is pushed into the frame and then pressure from closing seals the window against the seal.
The post that got my attention was the most simple approach and the author claimed success, so I gave it a try. Remove the seal and clean it. Clean the inside of the track the seal goes into and clean where the seal lies against the frame. I found this cleaning necessary as the seal and the frame had basically a crusty substance salt or oxidation. After cleaning the seal the author spayed the seal with "divers" silicone spray. I found this at a local dive shop and still have plenty left. Spray the seal completely and reinsert in the frame. Note this is the most demanding part of the process trying to get that small lip into the frame. Suspect it will be the same even with a brand new seal.
That was 12 years ago and I have not had a leak. The seal was in good shape and the silicone seemed to revitalized the neoprene. Every couple of years I go through the process of taking the seal out and cleaning and spraying.
About 2 years ago because all these ports had crazed after 22 years I replaced all four with the thicker lens from Catalina Direct along with the new screens that Lewmar manufactures for these ports. I'm pleased with the outcome and it was certainly a less expensive way to update without purchasing new ports.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Chuck
I would also replace the "Little O rings on the dogs too. I changed all the seals and still had a leak until I changed the little o rings.
Chuck Lennox
97 MKii Ventura Ca
Island Girl Hull #1611