Beckson port gaskets

[grinfax]

OK, in a bit of a bind here. I pulled out the rubber gaskets from my Beckson ports. they are 14 x 4 so I bought new ones, the GK414. Now... putting the new ones in is another story. I stretch one side, the come out the other. I pull this way, it goes that way. After about an hour trying to put one in I gave up. Is there a system or tool to put these in?

Help!

-Kim

[sailingfool]

The little trick is, using both hands, stretch two inches of the gasket at a time, slowly moving around the entire gasket, excluding the joint area...sort of like kneeding a linear version of pizza dough. The end result is a slighly loosened gasket much easier to insert. Remember the joint goes on the top side. I have instructions somewhere that includes this trick, I'll try to find them, if I do I'll post 'em.

[grinfax]

I knew there was some insider information I was missing. Thank you.

[phallo153]

Also try soaking the gasket in warm/hot water or letting it sit in the sunlight for a bit. Like sailing fool says, stretch it a bit, like a balloon before you blow it up. Be careful you don't stretch at the seam.

I start at the top right corner, seat the gasket, then work counter-clockwise. Stretch a little bit as you go so you have a little slack at the end.

You may find the port to be difficult to close with the new gasket, since it will take a while for it to flatten; be careful not to close the port too tight or you can crack the mounts for the dogs, then you'll have to replace the whole port. Mine were about 20 years old, so if yours are around that age, be careful!

[grinfax]

Hi, The gaskets are in and the boat is sealed tight. Soaking them in hot water and stretching them worked perfectly. Thanks all for the good advice, Kim