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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Opening port

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/07/2009 : 12:28:56

Has anyone changed the opening port in the head? The hinges on mine are cracked. It's water-tight when closed but can't be opened properly. It was like that when I bought the boat. Apparently it was like that when the PO bought it as well. The original owner tried to close it with the screen in place and that cracked the hinges.

Anyway, I'm concerned about what the frame of the port is secured to the window with. I'm afraid that if I try to remove the frame, I'll crack the plexi of the window.

Anybody have any idea about fixing the molded hinges in the opening frame?

John Russell
1999 C250 SR/WK #410
Bay Village, Ohio
Sailing Lake Erie
Don't Postpone Joy!

Edited by - on

Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2009 : 16:11:30

The port in the lav has got to be a design flaw. I've had the same problem in my '98, can't close the port without damaging or over stressing the hinges. If I remove the screen then there is no gasket to seal the port. I don't close the port completely and clean up the puddle after a rain.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2009 : 17:50:24

[url="http://pages.suddenlink.net/arlyn/sailing/headport.html"]Head Port Warning[/url]

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jlannutti
Navigator

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USA
102 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2009 : 17:57:01

Ditto on my '98 Gracie # 360. Head port is weather tight but does not open properly due to cracked hinges. I have a whole new opening port that was under the V-berth when I got the boat. I'm undecided as to whether I'll replace the head port or install it in the stern berth which is why, I believe, the P/O bought it.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2009 : 18:00:12

Not the answer I was hoping for Arlyn. Thanks anyway.

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Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2009 : 19:30:09

No filler piece with mine. The only weather stripping/seal is part of the screen.

Edited by - Tradewind on 02/07/2009 19:32:22

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2009 : 19:48:08

Ditto Steve on our C250 #841 2005

Paul

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 07:38:32

This is interesting. Beckson redesigned the port to solve the problems with the breaking hinges but failed.

The weather seal with the earlier design was not on the screen.

Edited by - on

zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 09:46:30

mine also had the seather seal on the screen and the hinges failed after about 5 yrs. I did have the local boat shop replace the window. I received one from Catalina (free at the time) and I assume they removed the old one in a smilar manner to Arlyns discussion. The new one has different latches from the original. The new latches are knobs that screw down while the old ones were friction flip type.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 10:53:57

Here is the [url="http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1331"]replacement port[/url] from Catalina Direct:

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 11:01:35

I have the replacement port. It came with the boat. Randy, did you do the replacement? My big fear is that I will destroy the surrounding plexi while removing the original port. Any words of encouragement?

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 13:50:46

John, I have not done this repair but I have removed other items held on by 5200. As Arlyn noted, the trick is to mask off the surfaces that you do not want to hurt. Then, I use a very thin putty knife/scraper to work under the 5200. This is one of those jobs where patience is the key and you need to just slowly work your way around. I have also had good success with "anti-bond" products that help weaken the 5200. West Marine sells them. I would use anti-bond and a very thin blade and spend a few hours on it. This is a job that will be easier with the boat on the trailer. Since the anti-bond will run be sure to really mask off everything, especially on the down side of the port. I am not certain of the anti-bond would effect the Lexan. It does not damage fiberglass.

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 17:48:52

I was not concerned much about breaking the head window when replacing the port, more concerned with scratching it or getting adhesive on it when reinstalling and masking it prevented both issues. I'd not do the project in cold weather because it may make the bedding harder to cut and the window more brittle.

The bedding will have to be cut loose. I used a 2" thin flexible blade putty knife with the edge sharpened well. Use a small hammer to tap the knife into the bedding joint to cut the adhesive. Remember a thin blade can break so don't overstress it. If you do it with the boat in a slip, I'd lanyard the putty knife and hammer.

Best of luck with your project.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 18:02:15

Is the inside separate from the outside frame? I was thinking that perhaps just removing the inner frame and replacing that would reduce the risk not to mention the work. I'll wait until it warms up.

Thanks guys.

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Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2009 : 21:41:03

I have an external rain shield that seems to keep most rain water out. I usually keep the port slightly open and have a solar vent on the forward hatch so there is airflow for ventilation.

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2009 : 17:40:51

Just another reason to BAN 5200 from anything but the hull to deck joint!

Why anyone uses that crap on their boats is beyond me!

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2009 : 21:35:46

I also use very carefully a heatgun with the protective tape. Did all of my windows on a C25 and not many leaks since.

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