Head Window Leak?

[circusmar]

Does anyone else's head window leak?

The small oval window in the Head compartment of our C28 collects standing water against the lower seal which slowly seeps in over time and drips down onto the shelf and overhead light switch area.
Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone have a solution?... I suppose the goal would be to find way for the puddle not to collect by providing a channel or hole for the water to escape but I'm not sure the most elegant way to achieve this. Was hoping the experience of others might save us some trial and error.

thanks!

 

[ronnieg]

I would suggest pulling out the plastic screw cap covers. and tightening up the lock down arms for the port light. This will help to prevent the water from seeping thru the gasket. The water will always set in the lower section of the port light due to the angle on the deck.

Ronnie Gonzales
Cutwater Customer service
425-220-3932
ronniegonzales@cutwaterboats.com

 

[circusmar]

Thanks Ronnie!

That was the first thing we tried. The Jim Black window latches are sleeved brass. The only way to get them tighter would be to file down the brass cylinder where it comes out of the plastic. Before doing anything "permanent" like that I have added plastic shims between the latch tabs and the window to see if increasing the pressure is the answer.

-r

 

[pleeson]

My initial comments to the dealer and the factory pointed this potential problem area after a couple of winter cruises in the rain. Big need to change to mounting angle or choice of portholes to ensure they are self draining in this location. Don't ever try opening this "window" in wet conditions!

 

[circusmar]

So far the 1mm thick plastic shims are helping - also did a good cleaning of the seal mating surface. it takes very little dirt to create a leak. I may put a bead of sealant along the edge and resign not to open the window. modifying this porthole to be self draining would be very difficult.

 

[scubabob]

We have a similar situation on our Cutwater 26 and thought about changing the rubber gasket. Has anyone tried this? Anyone know who the OEM is for this porthole?

 

[NautiTug]

I know the OP was form 2013. But my 2017 28 has the same issue so would love to hear solutions. Or can the OP post a picture of the shims if he still is around.

Thanks.