Pearson 30 Port Lights

[OldSchool]

I think its time to do something about the port lights on my P30. Does anyone know what type of gasket is used on the V-berth port lights? The bedding may or may not leak but those gaskets are definitely compromised? Has anyone replaced these port light assemblies with something more modern? Catalina Direct has some models that 'may' be Pearson compatible but they don't actually support the use of those products on Pearsons. Buyer beware.

I'm also curious about replacing the longer port lights in the salon. Does anyone make a replacement for these? The inside gasket material is gone and water tends to collect there after a long hard rain. I rebedded these a few years ago and I know those aluminum frames are nearing the end of their life. I'm not quite sure what to do.

Any suggestions from others with P30 experience?

Thanks

David

[JonathanSail]

Hello David,

A few years ago I resealed the portlights on my p28-1 which is very similar to the p30 in most respects including the portlights. I put some information about the process that I followed and parts that I used here:

Poolio's sailing and travel blog. : Pearson 28-1 window resealing and cleanup

In two years of sitting on the hard (I'm still working on the boat) they didn't leak until the last few months. A leak developed on each of the larger portlights in the main cabin at the seam of the seal that goes around the glass and inside the aluminum frame. I could have prevented this in a number of ways but have just put a dab of butyl on the seam from the outside which has stopped the small leaks on each window for now.

If I were to reseal these portlights again I would not use the stock/recommended foam in between the frame and the cabin side but would instead use butyl there. In between the glass and the frame I may also use butyl or some other type of goop in replacement of or along with the rubber/vinyl stock seal.

In a world of unlimited time I would remove the fixed portlights, glass in the holes and install opening portlights, three to a side. Maybe one day..

Hope that helps,

Jonathan

[Seid Meis]

Mine leak as well.

Thanks Jonathan! I'm going to go ahead and change them out for an opening fit. Gotta have something to do over the On the Hard months!

[JonathanSail]

Be sure to report back on the process and results if you have time.

Hope it goes well,

Jonathan

[CaptPhil]

Have 1977 Flying Dutchman with leaking port lights
Gaskets seem to be rubber approx .400" wide x .585' tall
Does anyone know if this type of gasket is sold by the roll?
Have 6 to re-gasket approx. 7" x 14" where gasket fits

[wsulli]

Google CRL they have what you need

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by CaptPhil

Have 1977 Flying Dutchman with leaking port lights
Gaskets seem to be rubber approx .400" wide x .585' tall
Does anyone know if this type of gasket is sold by the roll?
Have 6 to re-gasket approx. 7" x 14" where gasket fits

try McMaster for sheet rubber and gasket materials. McMaster-Carr