The most dreaded item on our TODO list is finally crossed off. The portslights on our Hallberg-Rassy 31 Monsun probably had the original gaskets and all the windows had leaks, some leaked a lot. We were really afraid to remove them, because there was a lot of aluminum corrosion, salt sediments, etc. What if we can’t put them back again?
To get us some time, we finally made storm covers from 1/2″ acrylic sheets, trimmed with thick gasket. The storm cover is held over the broken windows by two or three supports that are placed across the window opening. It works quite well and is easy to deploy. When we removed the first window, we had the storm cover ready in case of a rain.
Storm covers with temporary plywood supports
Detail of backing plate mounting
Fortunately, the portlights unscrewed quite easily. We’ve found a lot of salt under the frames and some aluminum corrosion here and there, but nothing major. The gasket that holds the glass sheet in the frame cannot be replaced unless you open the outer frame. But all the leaks seem to be around the outer gaskets, so we didn’t mess with the glass. We’ll soon find out if we were right.
All you need is two types of gaskets, one flat and one L-shaped, contact cement, acetone, putty knife to scrape the old gaskets, sanding paper and a day of nice weather.
Salty mess
Jana knocking the outer frame out
Scary gaping hoples
Cleaning the old gaskets
Final touches before the gluing begins
New gaskets glued with contact cement
Let’s see how much water gets through
Já vím, že se opakuju – ale vážně bezva
Opakování matka moudrosti
Hi Jana,
what were your experiences with the change of the port light dealings (are they tight now?)
Regards
Martin
Monsun ‘625
Hi Martin, sorry completely missed your comment. Our windows are now quite water resistant, but of course we retighten them from time to time especially after a rough weather.
Hello Petr+Jana,
thank you for your report how to fix the portlights!
Do you mind if if upload your article as a PDF document to the facebook group of the HR 31 Monsun? I think it is of a general interest to all Monsuners.
regards
Bernhard
Hi, pleasure! Please do, we’ll be honored
How and where did you get the gaskets?
Hi, we just bought some gasket which seemed appropriate in a hardware store in Taiwan