Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: NewToTheRoad on May 01, 2017, 08:09:10 AM

Title: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: NewToTheRoad on May 01, 2017, 08:09:10 AM
I spent many hours this past weekend doing this - both the wrong (3+ hrs until I quit) and right (1 hr) ways.  I thought I'd offer some tips from my experience to possibly make it easier for the next sailor. 

The wrong way
Quickly Scan the directions from Beckson and go your own route, thinking how hard could it be.  It took me 3 hours to get one seated, or so I thought.  My thumbs and forefingers still ache.  You will think you have the wrong size.  After testing with a cup of water it leaked into the aft cabin. 

The right way (follow the Beckson directions)
1.  Stretch the new gasket all around its circumference as you would a balloon, being careful at the seam area.
2.  Start by seating the legs of the gasket somewhere between 2 corners. 
3.  Once you get a bit of it seated, bend the gasket part away from the channel (where the leg is seated) so that you can get a your tool to seat the rest of the leg.  You would hear a snap but you will get some feedback that the leg was set in place.  Beckson suggest using a ruler but I used a wooden paint stir stick and it worked great.  The entire leg should go into the channel, especially around the dogs, or you will have leaks.
4.  You will likely still have to stretch along the way and the last corner won't be easy.  when you try and seat that typically another one pulls away.  By stretching and re-seating you will finally get it.
5.  Note:  Back off of the dogs before closing the windows as the new gaskets are not yet compressed.  If you don't you could break the Beckson lenses.


My second gasket took about 45 minutes, then I went back to the first and seated my work from the day before using the stir stick.  No leaks!

note:  You will know when the leg is properly seated as it goes ALL the way in, especially near the dogs and hinges which I couldn't get with my fingers.  If you see parts of it showing and you think it will be ok it will not be.  You will get leaks and the gasket may pull away when opening and closing the port.  The leg is intended to go ALL the way in. 

I was confused when I read the directions http://www.beckson.com/installgasket.html about bending the gasket 90 degrees.  I finally figured it was toward the port opening (not perpendicular to the track) and was for the purpose of getting the stir stick to seat it fully in the channel.

Here are a few pics to illustrate.  It should be 1 pic but I couldn't take and do at the same time.

Good luck!

Bryan



Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: DaveBMusik on May 01, 2017, 10:38:45 AM
I replaced my gaskets and still had leaks in a couple. I ended up purchasing new ports after trying to clean what looked like 5200 off of the old ones.

Two big rain storms and completely dry - Yee Hah
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Field Day Skipper on May 31, 2018, 03:50:39 PM
Replacing the port gaskets was one of my first projects when I got Gambit. I discovered that letting the gaskets warm up in the sun for about 15 minutes, inside the clear plastic bags, made them nicely pliable.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Noah on May 31, 2018, 06:59:01 PM
Good tips on install. Thx!
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Stu Jackson on May 31, 2018, 10:28:58 PM
Added to the Beckson 101 topic links, thanks for the great info.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: scgunner on June 02, 2018, 07:38:53 AM
      The problem with the Beckson port is it wasn't designed for the Catalina 34 application. Beckson states the port should be installed at a rearward angle of less than 15 degrees. The tilt on the Catalina cabin is about 40 degrees so the ports have a tendency to collect rather than shed water. Probably why we have so many threads about leaky Beckson ports. After chasing the leak gremlins for several years I finally bit the bullet and replaced the Becksons with Lewmars, one of the better upgrades to the boat, the Lewmars are virtually leak free.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Stu Jackson on June 02, 2018, 10:50:49 AM
Quote from: scgunner on June 02, 2018, 07:38:53 AM
      >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Probably why we have so many threads about leaky Beckson ports. >>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This has not been my experience with my eight Beckson ports.  I have re-installed only the two in the V berth and have replaced the gaskets in those two and the two port side ones in the saloon because I put new screens in the saloon ones.  I have to replace the screens on the two saloon starboard side ports.  I like the Beckson ports.  I have read more horror stories about the Lewmar ports on this forum than anything else; perhaps the newer Lemars are better.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Switchback on June 13, 2018, 09:20:04 AM
NewToTheRoad,

What size gasket did you buy? What year is your vessel? I have an '86 and I need to replace all my Beckson gaskets!

-Mike
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: NewToTheRoad on June 13, 2018, 09:47:42 AM
I used 5" x 12" and purchased from West Marine.  Mine is a 1988.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/beckson-marine--replacement-gaskets-screens--P024_720_003_003
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Stu Jackson on June 13, 2018, 09:49:12 AM
Quote from: MaritimeMike on June 13, 2018, 09:20:04 AM
NewToTheRoad,

What size gasket did you buy? What year is your vessel? I have an '86 and I need to replace all my Beckson gaskets!

-Mike

ALL of the Becksons are 5 x 12.  You might want to check pricing direct from Beckson.  Even with s/h it might be less expensive than WM.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Jon W on June 13, 2018, 11:04:46 AM
Confusing.

I bought from Catalina Direct and they described them as Opening Port Gasket, Beckson 7 3/4" x 14 5/8"; part number Z2469. The screens are described as Opening Port Screen, Beckson 7 3/4" x 14 5/8"; part number Z2467.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Switchback on June 13, 2018, 12:30:54 PM
Thanks everyone! Just ordered a bunch of the z2469 from Catalina Direct!
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Jon W on June 13, 2018, 02:02:28 PM
To avoid me causing any confusion - the part numbers I listed are for the two Beckson opening ports in the aft cabin. If you have Beckson opening ports in the salon and V-berth those 6 may be different. That's why I said the 5" x 12" comment was confusing.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Stu Jackson on June 13, 2018, 04:50:54 PM
The only ports I've fiddled with are in the V berth and saloon.  My inventory shows:

Ports: gaskets   9-Mar-05   Beckson   GK-512   $45.15    (6) gaskets for ports 203-333-1412


Don't know if that's a phone number or a part number extension of the GK-512.

My aft cabin two are the same size.

Any reason you went to CD instead of Beckson or did you check both?

Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Jon W on June 13, 2018, 05:07:42 PM
Hi Stu, I was already getting a couple other items at Catalina Direct so just added the gaskets and screens to the list. I didn't check Beckson.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Switchback on June 14, 2018, 06:43:20 AM
Quote from: Stu Jackson on June 13, 2018, 04:50:54 PM
The only ports I've fiddled with are in the V berth and saloon.  My inventory shows:

Ports: gaskets   9-Mar-05   Beckson   GK-512   $45.15    (6) gaskets for ports 203-333-1412


Don't know if that's a phone number or a part number extension of the GK-512.

My aft cabin two are the same size.

Any reason you went to CD instead of Beckson or did you check both?


Hi Stu,

Beckson wanted to charge me $21 for shipping whereas CD charged $10. Simple as that!

Hopefully the GK-512 size will fit all beckson ports aft and forward. I'll report back once installed.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Susan Ray on August 20, 2018, 08:41:39 AM
Aloha,
Read this and installed...how do I back off the dogs?  Looks like they are not adjustable.
Thanks
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Jon W on August 20, 2018, 02:31:54 PM
If your asking how to adjust the white plastic cam that you flip up or down to seal the port closed, on mine the white plastic cam is threaded onto a metal t-bolt. Rotate the white plastic cam clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the pressure against the port.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Stu Jackson on August 20, 2018, 09:10:01 PM
Quote from: Jon W on August 20, 2018, 02:31:54 PM
If your asking how to adjust the white plastic cam that you flip up or down to seal the port closed, on mine the white plastic cam is threaded onto a metal t-bolt. Rotate the white plastic cam clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the pressure against the port.

What I do is rotate the cam before I latch it.  I have a mix of the old simpler screw handles plus some of the cams.  They operate differently.  I try not to rotate the cams after they latch.

Beckson shows how to on their website.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Jon W on August 20, 2018, 10:30:23 PM
Agree. The adjustment is done before latching.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: DaveBMusik on August 21, 2018, 06:52:52 AM
For future reference, Defender has the 5 x 12 gaskets for $8.99. If you are in the Northeast, you can always pick up in person.
https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|6880|2290158|2290164&id=3464731

Regarding leaks, I have had no problems with mine after replacing/rebedding them last year. I didn't go to the trouble of fitting them and trimming the protruding exterior frame but just drilled a hole in the "gutters" close to the trim ring. This greatly diminishes the amount of water left next to the gasket.

Also, make sure to clean the window surface before closing them. Try to compress the gasket as little as possible to increase longevity.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: anaisdog on August 30, 2018, 11:46:26 AM
if i've replaced two gaskets and they are still leaking, (port side), is it worth trying to rebed again or buy new again? 
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: anaisdog on August 30, 2018, 11:48:42 AM
and how do you change out the screens? 
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: Jon W on August 30, 2018, 12:46:50 PM
The screens are installed between the gasket and the plastic frame. To remove you should be able to lift them up and out from behind the gasket. The gasket does not need to be removed to do this.

The screens need to be installed and in good condition for the ports to seal properly. My screen frames were in pieces. When you remove the screens, check the frame of the screen to see if they're in good condition with no cracks. Also check nothing else is between the gasket and plastic port frame.
Title: Re: Tips installing aft cabin Beckson port gaskets
Post by: anaisdog on August 30, 2018, 12:48:45 PM
then yeah, i need new screens.  my gaskets are only a few years old and 2 of the 8 are leaking like mad

thanks