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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 C250 OPENING PORT REPLACEMENT		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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RSHOOTER
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/01/2006 :  12:26:24  Show Profile
This is for Arlyn and anyone else who has replaced the opening Port in the enclosed Head area. I have just about given up even though I bought a brand new Beckson window. The black caulk is as hard as nails and I'm afraid I may break the clear Plexi that the Port beds into. I am now strongly considering taping the window closed and forgetting about it. I have all the tools, chisels, putty knife, razor blades, etc.... I just don't want to make it worse than it already is. Any words of wisdom?
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JohnMD
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts
Response Posted - 05/01/2006 :  14:39:37  Show Profile
I just replaced both my windows on the port side of the boat. I tried to remove the port with the window out of the boat sitting on a workbench and broke the port. The way the sealant can get under and between, you can't really get a blade in the areas to cut them, I wouldn't even try it. The cracking noise you hear will be very expensive. My two cents.............
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Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts
Response Posted - 05/01/2006 :  16:56:16  Show Profile
I can't get mine to close, afraid to force it. The gasket/seal seems too large or thick.
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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts
Response Posted - 05/01/2006 :  17:59:07  Show Profile
Steve,
Catalina ships the boat with a spacer in the port, you have to take the spacer out. It won't close with the spacer and screen in.
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AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts
Response Posted - 05/01/2006 :  18:39:02  Show Profile  Visit AADIVER's Homepage
I think there's been an improvement in the port head window, at least for the 2001's. I have both the spacer and screen in and it snaps closed okay with the two black adjustable knobs.
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paulb
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts
Response Posted - 05/01/2006 :  23:43:08  Show Profile
Don't give up! I just did the replacement as the old windows hinges were broken when I bought the boat. I was able to find the exact replacement port thanks to the members of this forum. The Beckson Company was very cooperative, even sending instructions and selling me a tube of that black gunk for the new window for a mere $14.00 plus shipping.

I started on the inside after removing the screws, with a very thin piece of steel about i/2 in wide and about 8 inches long. I worked my way around the window a fraction of an inch at a time. I made very little progress at first but eventually I begain making a little headway (pun intended). Finally my knees gave out and I switched to the outside for a while. I did the same with the piece of steel until it finally gave up. I went back to the inside and started in again. Eventually it too gave up and I successfully removed it also.

Removing that black crud was a whole new adventure. I finally resorted to a razor blade scraping tool and carefully scraped it off as clean as possible. The final residue I removed with alcohol, (stove type, not the kind you resort to when frustrated), and cleaned up the rest.

The installation of the new window was relatively easy, just be careful you do not get that black gunk where you don't want it. Beckson also included a dire warning about proper placement of the screen as the reason the hinges usually break is due to inproper screen and spacer placement.
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RSHOOTER
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2006 :  06:56:10  Show Profile
Well, it seems like a mixed bag. I did buy a replacement window from Beckson and also a tube of Caulk. My boat is a 1999 and the black caulk they used is extremely hard. I know it can be done but I'm not sure I want the risk at least this season. I will catalog all these pointers for the time I do replace it. Thanks.
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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2006 :  07:27:05  Show Profile  Visit Arlyn Stewart's Homepage
Roger, what worked well for me was a very thin putty knife about 1.5 inches wide with a good sharp edge filed on it. Realize that the port can't be pryed loose, it has to be cut loose.

Mask the window fully, insert the putty knife into the edge at as flat an entry as possible and start tapping with a small hammer and keep working around cutting the bedding. It won't be long and the knife can be driven full to the port.

Don't pry with the thin blade... use it as a very thin chisel to cut the bedding compound.
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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2006 :  07:34:32  Show Profile  Visit Arlyn Stewart's Homepage
Tom is right... the port is shipped with a spacer that provides a proper seal when the port is closed. If the screen is desired, remove the spacer before inserting the screen.

Using both the screen and the spacer may seem to work at first, but doing so stresses the plastic hinges and they break quite easily.
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Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2006 :  19:05:02  Show Profile
I removed mine with a cheap steak knife - very sharp, thin flexible blade. It worked fairly well. The blade was too thin to pry with, which probably kept me from cracking anything.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.