Bob & Sue
Active Member
This has turned into another PITA project I removed 3 of the portlights Thursday it took 4 hours just to get them out, brought them home for cleanup there was at least 3 different sealants white, clear and an off gray it appears the PO just removed trim and added more sealant after about 8 hours of soaking in every chemical I had Krud Kutter for sealants, Mckinas, Goof Off and acetone they finally are clean. Spent about 4 hours buffing all the stainless almost look new for 14 year old portlights all that's left to do is polish out the scratches and water spots on the Lexan and install the new gaskets and screens then cover all the stainless with painters tape. There is about a 1" gob of sealant around the outside of the portlight that was smeared on by a really sloppy lazy PO I have spoke with a gel coat guy and Meguiars they both say to get as much off as possible then use 3000 grit pads on it followed by Marine Power Cut compound then a lighter compound and polish. I knew this was going to be a pain but sure didn't expect all this for 4 portlights well maybe I did that's why they've been sitting in the boat since Dec 2011 hope to have it finished in a couple more days. I will post more pics later after they are rebedded. THANKS to Turtlesboat for the great post it really was helpful.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/45694-Porthole-leak-How-to-fix/page2?highlight=porthole+gasket
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/45694-Porthole-leak-How-to-fix/page2?highlight=porthole+gasket