Kelly Peterson 44-Leaky Portlights

[SV_KeyLimePie]

I have a 1978 KP44 with original bronze portlights. Some have started to leak, as the rubber seal seems to be aged and worn out. Looking for replacement gasket/seal and how to best approach it for a leak proof result. Can anyone offer some experience doing so?

[Bill O]

Not sure what size rubber seal you have or if it square or round, but it can be found by doing a search for "portlight gasket"
Here's one example that I quickly found
Portlight Gasket Seal - Hollow Black Rubber - Port Hardware & Parts - Ports & Hardware - Ventilation - Downwind Marine

If they are leaking badly and need a quick fix, go to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up the appropriate size gap backer rod/rope (its foam). Works so well you may not want/need to purchase the real gasket replacement.


Bill O.

[tkeithlu]

Bill's got it. Also consider getting to know 3M 5200, the universal marine stick'um/bed'un.

Little known secret: You can save the rest of the tube by sticking it in the freezer. My local yard didn't know that one.

[Lepke]

Also hydraulic suppliers can supply o-ring material the works, too. Or you can buy a roll and cut to fit. Lot cheaper than anything from a marine store.

[Orion Jim]

If at all possible find out the make of the opening ports. Spartan Marine and New Found Metals are the most common. Perhaps you can post a photo.
Spartan Marine sells direct replacement gaskets, Bomar offers a gasket which has the adhesive strip already applied and sells it by the foot.
It is an easy process to remove the old gasket and replace with new.....no 5200 please.

[bradfordharley]

I know my kp46 has Atkins Hoyle portlights and you can order gasket material from them. Be warned, they are very expensive! There is a very active community and forum. I would ask them, you will get an answer quickly. Kp44.org.

[Oceanride007]

I would go for the old fashioned butyl rubber. It doesn't go hard and anything left over coulds be used for other things years later.

[KP44]

Originally Posted by SV_KeyLimePie

I have a 1978 KP44 with original bronze portlights. Some have started to leak, as the rubber seal seems to be aged and worn out. Looking for replacement gasket/seal and how to best approach it for a leak proof result. Can anyone offer some experience doing so?

For our Kelley-Peterson:

I had new smoked Lexan cut to fit our portlights. It cost about $120US and I have 4 or 5 spares, after replacing all the lenses.

The gasket is square and I bought a few yards of it and cut it to fit each portlight. I made the seam at the top so there is no way for water to run down and find an entrance. The original portlights are fully functional and better than new.

I don't have the address on hand, We found a red silicone gasket material that is resistant to chemicals and fuels. I found the gasket materials on-line and ordered exactly what we needed.

We also bought new gasket material for the ice boxes, which now have a good cold plate.

This took a little time but it was a straightforward and easy task. The old glass is gone, replaced with strong lexan lenses. All new gaskets and no leaks.

If you can not find gasket material, PM me and I will look in my old records when we get home in about a week.

[jhulmer]

Take a look at this site and see if any of these will match. look at edge seals.
https://www.mcmaster.com/gaskets