Leaking port lights

[Allegro1]

I have a 1987 J-37 sailboat with opening port lights. A number of the port lights leak since the gasket material is original. Does anyone know which company manufactured port lights for J-boats in the late '80s? I can't seem to find a match either on the Lewmar or Bomar web sites. Also, can anyone recommend how best to replace the gasket material? The gasket seems to hold the plastic lens in place as well as serving as the gasket.

Thanks

[LinekinBayCD]

Have you looked at New Found Metals?

New Found Metals - Marine Hardware and Stainless Portlights

They manufacturer, bronze, stainless and metal reinforced plastic ports in many sizes common in the era of your boat.

I replaced the old plastic ports on my 1986 Cape Dory with their bronze ports and I'm real happy with their products and service.

[rugosa]

Try Beckson @ Beckson Marine Inc.- Marine Hardware

[Allegro1]

Thanks for the help. The Beckson port light might be what it is. However, it looks like I may have an older model. A little more research...

[SJ34]

The manufacturers name and model number should be on the port light somewhere. I just replaced the gaskets in my circa 1986 Beckson ports with OEM parts for about $4 each. Compare that to my Bomar hatch gaskets at $65 each from the same era.

[mitiempo]

You could always contact J Boats

J/Boat Email Communication

[j34035]

Originally Posted by Allegro1

I have a 1987 J-37 sailboat with opening port lights. A number of the port lights leak since the gasket material is original. Does anyone know which company manufactured port lights for J-boats in the late '80s? I can't seem to find a match either on the Lewmar or Bomar web sites. Also, can anyone recommend how best to replace the gasket material? The gasket seems to hold the plastic lens in place as well as serving as the gasket.

Thanks

Welcome to the J/boat club. I have a J/37c, this is my third J. My first was a J/37 (1988), and a J/34c. They all had leaking portlights. The replacements are very expensive and the original gaskets are discontinued. I have talked to folks at Pompanette (Bomar) about gaskets and they have a replacement gasket they recommend. I have not used them, but you can contact them at 603-826-5791. New portals for my boat would run about $5500 if I replaced all of them. Also, I have talked to newfound metals, and they do not have stock size replacements for our boat, the portals are just too big. On to better subjects, how do you like the boat and they way it sails? Where are you located? Post here or you can PM me anytime. I have been through a full rebuild on 2 of the J/boats I owned, and I have a pretty good contact list for parts and suppliers. Good luck,
DD

[Allegro1]

Doug,
Not sure if you got my last message. I've owned the boat since 2009. She is J-37 hull #10 with the "UFO" (wing) keel. I very much enjoy the boat and she sails great although the windward performance is not a good as the full keel version. I've been in touch with Bomar and I have some ideas on how to improve the gaskets. Not the 100% fix but hopefully will help.

On another note, have you ever had vibration issues with the diesel/shaft? The diesel is located amid ships and I replaced the engine mounts. However, there still seems to be a lot of vibration. I'm not sure if it is a shaft issue or even a worn strut (I replaced the bearling last year but it still vibrates). Anyway, any insight you can give is great. Feel free to send a PM to my address anytime.

Dick