Today I tried to start the process of replacing the portlight gaskets. I worked on the galley portlight, but after a couple of frustrating hours I’m back to square one. (The only good news was that it was a beautiful day to be on the boat.)
First issue–getting the remains of the old gasket adhesive out of the channel in the portlight was a bear. I tried sharpened wooden dowels as scrapers, a loose drill bit as a scraper, and various Dremel attachments. Nothing was very effective…the drill bit (held in my hand, not in a drill) probably worked the best. Also tried using Goo Gone Caulk Remover to try to soften the old gasket adhesive. That helped some, but after several applications it also started to soften the paint.
What magical device have you found most effective at removing the old adhesive?
Second issue: The new gasket material I used was too big. It was recommended to me a while ago by an INA member (see photo below). It’s 0.380" in diameter, just 0.005" larger than the A&H supplied gasket. BUT, once I glued it in I could not get the portlight closed enough to latch. Not even close. I’m guessing the A&H gasket must be “squishier” as I cannot believe the difference is due to the 0.005" difference.
Have you found a replacement gasket that works other than from A&H?
At the end of the day, I had to pull out the new gasket (now covered with adhesive) and try to stick the old gasket back in. So now I’ll have to start all over.
Since I’d rather be sailing than scraping old adhesive, any tips you can offer will be most welcome.
Sounds like a horror show, Jim. I hope someone has a solution for you. (no pun intended)
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
I ground a piece of 3/8” steel rod at an oblique angle to create a round chisel point to clean mine. It worked really well.
I have used both surgical tubing and a generic black gasket material from my local chandler. Both work fine just glued in with 3M4200.
The black looks a little better but the surgical tubing is easier to work with.
What diameter surgical tubing did you use? Can you provide any additional information on the black gasket material? I need to replace the gaskets in all our windows and hatches this winter. They all leak!
Thanks for the tip on how to make a tool to remove the old gasket material/cement.
Not much help here I’m afraid. I looked at the surgical tubing at my local drug store and it looked close so I tried it. I’m guessing about 3/8” OD but never measured it. The gasket material was recommended by a sales assistant at Trotac Marine in Victoria. Again, I don’t remember the name but it came in several diameters and was sold as hatch/portlight gasket. It is quite soft and pliable.
All this is is a flexible waterproof barrier that fits between the base and the hinged frame. Anything that fits that description will keep the water out.
But I did use the 5/8 inch solid core on my deck hatch and it worked fine. Measure the groove carefully in the port.
Mechanical removal is probably the only route. Anything that will dissolve adhesive will cause other issues. It needs to be largely removed but not 100%. A smooth surface is enough.
When you used the 3M adhesive, did you follow the instructions (coat both surfaces, dry until tacky, and then put the gasket in place) or did you just put down the adhesive on the portlight and immediately put in the gasket (uncoated)?
The gasket you used is the one I tried. It wouldn’t compress enough to let me latch the portlight.
