Resealing or Rebedding Portlights, Boat Repair, Sealing portlights

In this video I show how to remove and reseal plastic portlights on a 1980 Endeavor 32 sailboat. Many older (and some newer) boats are equipped with this type of portlight. Leaks can a common problem on these boats. This video should be helpful for anyone needing to reseal their portlights. Comments and suggestions, good or bad, are welcome.
Please visit my site Projectboatzen.com
Free background music from JewelBeat.com

[@sharlaflute]

Great instructions; thank you for showing every little step. I found myself looking for a button to turn off the looped background music however...sometimes it seemed louder than your voice. Just my opinion!

[@Boatingzen]

Debbie, Butyl tape has become popular again (it was back in the 70's) but it is not the silver bullet many think it is. If you port lights are plastic silicone is your best choice but use a high quality silicone such as Dow 795. This is what many portlight manufacture recommend. This is because the oils in the plastic are not comparable with other sealants. If the portlights are metal i like polysulfied sealants but you could use butyl as well if it is a good quality.

[@befrankpls]

I am certain that since your videos are educational and instructive, please do away with the background music. Many of us would prefer your voice over music. Thanks once again

[@Boatingzen]

Agree and all the newer one i do not have that. Thanks for the input

[@hughtravels929]

I like the music, lol feels like one of those old educational videos.

[@Boatingzen]

I was using denatured alcohol but mineral spirits works well too. I used it for cleaning the excess silicone. It is important to use the correct cleaning solvent with sealants as using the wrong solvent can adversely effect the cure and life of the sealant. Check the label of whatever you are using and stick to the manufactures recommendation it can make a difference. I used the acetone only for cleaning the surfaces before sealing and then made sure it had all evaporated. Thanks

[@befrankpls]

Wish I knew what sealant is being used,what brand etc. I love your videos and the expertise involved. Many thanks from Antonio Goa India

[@Boatingzen]

The sealant was Boatlife silicone. Thanks for the positive feedback

[@CurtisWestsail]

Great video and thanks for passing on your knowledge. Can you tell me what the second cleaner was you used after the first container of acetone. Was it just a cleaner?

[@Boatingzen]

Hi Shawn thanks for the comment. It may appear that I am not careful in the video but I can assure you no boats were harmed during the making of this video. Owner was happy with the work and everything cleaned up well. Sorry it looks that way from the video.

[@TheReddkatt]

when you used the claw on the hammer to lever the window out, why wouldn't you use a rag to put over the hammer so that it didn't mark the wooden interior wall?

[@edsarkisian4434]

Good description. The music mutes out your words. Need to hear the type of caulking you used. My Beneteau has rubber seals that require replacement.also, please convey the type of solvents you use for the cleanup. Can’t hear with the music.

[@davide3129]

I don’t know if you’re still tracking messages like this but after washing the number of your videos the one thing that you don’t comment on as it releases two silicones is the mildew fighting ability and on the hardware store brands they make a big point of talking about agency fight mildew for up to 10 years or more in detail 70 not 5795 and others don’t seem to speak to this point. Can you offer your insight? I’m looking to reseal a small crack under the consul of a table not a broken cracked but just the typical resealing

[@Boatingzen]

Agree a good marine silicone will have mildew resistance. Thanks

[@Boatingzen]

I used a putty knife under the claw I think in the video that did not show. But yes you are right you want to use something. I like to use a putty knife blade because it is stiff enough it will not leave dents in the wood. Thanks for mentioning that.

[@debbieanderson2643]

Thanks so much for this video! I'm going to have to tackle this job this weekend. Is silicone preferable to butyl tape? That seems to be the preferred sealent for most rebedding jobs.

[@ducatiluvr]

Thanks wayne I was going to call you to get your advice on just this project. To anyone needing a survey or general boat work I cannot say enough good things about Wayne Canning. His prices are fair and his customer service is second to none. He was incredibly patient in answering any questions I had even weeks after my survey was done. If you are in the Wilmington NC and need work give him a call. Stevens 40 S/V Against all odds (previously porque no) Jared Britt

[@pamf7831]

Great video, lots of good info - Thank you! I only made it about half-way through because I couldn't stand listening to the music repeat any more.......not sure why so many youtubers think they have to add the distracting background music. Hope the fad goes away soon. Anyway, appreciate you making this video.

[@Boatingzen]

Yeah this was an early video and just doing what everyone else was lol. I do not do that much anymore

[@handleymachine4421]

I suggest you repost this video with voiceover added so we can hear what you’re saying.

[@tedbroderson9315]

Reminds me of the joke "and then miracle happens". All of a sudden the port light is back in. Magic? And no explanation for a NEW ring. Sorry Capt, but you failed on this one.

[@Boatingzen]

This is one of my first videos not the best I admit. We all got to start somewhere and learn as we go. But thanks for the feedbacks helps make future videos better

[@ironbar9535]

You learn something everyday. Thanks.

[@ironbar9535]

Even worse with balsa core.

[@marianabasic550]

It's a great video, however sound needs to be improved and you should tell the audience what you are using IE: sealers, cleaners, etc. You tell us about Acetone and what sealer not to use, but not what you use to seal the windows or the other cleaner to clean up the sealer. Your audience is here for only one reason to learn from you. You are the expert and the audience regards you as such so share your expertise with them please.

[@Boatingzen]

Yes you are right this was an early attempt at doing a video. I hope to get a chance to re-shoot this one one day. I may try a re-edit but not much I can do with the sound. I think you will see all the elements you talk about greatly improved in later videos. Could not agree more with your thoughts and thanks for sharing. We all have to start someplace.

[@SailingKaruna]

Really helpful. The only video I found that was. Thank you!

[@Boatingzen]

Glad it helped!

[@Boatingzen]

Glad it helped!

[@mercymorganfield6488]

What brand of caulk did you use-the exact brand? Thx

[@Boatingzen]

It was 3M marine silicone

[@mbiriviri]

The music is annoying and makes it hard to hear you.

[@Boatingzen]

Agreed this was a bit of a technical issue and I have since stopped most background music. Thanks for the feedback

[@not1so1crazy]

I've got an Irwin 37, also with a portlight leak!!! thanks for the video

[@Boatingzen]

Hope it was helpful

[@miamitreasurehunter]

Great Video, thanks for all the detail, that really helps!

[@Boatingzen]

Glad it was of some help to you!

[@Boatingzen]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I agree the audio was an issue on this one. I am learning all the time making these. I will try to work on that in future videos. Keep the suggestions coming thats how I can improve! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@hughsmith4464]

Mr. Canning where is the best sorce for porthole gaskets?

[@hughsmith4464]

Please ditch the music

[@terrencesimms2278]

Why in the hell would play music ?

[@Boatingzen]

+terrence simms Thanks for the comment I admit the editing is not the best on this one. We all have to learn by doing. Many of these issues have been fixed in some of my newer stuff

[@MrNurseinTExas]

+Wayne Canning Honestly it's not bad at all... The music is at a very low volume and I can hear you perfectly.

[@robertwinter0]

I think Wayne is just simulating the conditions of the job. Of course you would play music if you were doing this job (times 8)

[@billybong14c]

can this work for aluminum port lights too?

[@Boatingzen]

Yes should be basically the same. I am working on a re-edit of this that I should have out in a couple of weeks. The new version will have better info and details.

[@billybong14c]

ok cool. and I have checked west marine's catalog and could not find the plates that would fit my E27 port holes. where should I be looking?

[@Boatingzen]

I am not sure what you mean by plates, maybe trim rings? At any rate you would not find them at West marine. Maybe if you could email me a picture of the ports and part you need i can help

[@billybong14c]

what is your email

[@Boatyarddog]

You my friend are less than careful in protecting the deck from acetone, scratches and fiberglass dust, your kind of a butcher!

[@youngypaul]

What is the best caulking to use for this job?

[@Boatingzen]

Paul Young With plastic portlights a good quality silicone such as Dow 795 or Boatlife Silicone. Never use the cheap stuff

[@youngypaul]

Thanks. I have Bronze portholes.

[@Boatingzen]

Paul Young For bronze I would suggest butyl tape but get the good stuff or a hybrid sealant like Boatlife's lifeseal and 4200 would work well. Personally I am not a huge fan of Butyl as it can be hard to work with and oozes out over a period of time. I think I would use the butyl in the gap between the portlight and the cabin side and then seal the trim ring with Lifeseal if I was doing it. Good luck sounds like you will have a nice boat when you are done, can't beat the looks of bronze.

[@flyingtigre1]

give it 5 years and you will have to do it all over again. But it looks nice. Not bad for your first time. cheers Seaman

[@Boatingzen]

Well I have be doing this for awhile and can assure you the job lasts longer then 5 years. It has been 8 years since I did the ports on the boat I live on and sailed to Bermuda and back and still have no leaks

[@flyingtigre1]

Wayne Canning good to know. At least i know you don't work for NASA or any aircraft repair shop. thanks for the help. cheers S