Sailing since 1994. Chartered and raced for about 10 years. Purchased the Ericson 38 in 2003
E38 - Pilot Project
E38 - Pilot Project
The forward left fixed port was leaking around the outside of the frame, at both ends, at the corners. Removing the beauty ring on the inside last week was probably not a good idea in my case. I confirmed the leaks when I started removing the rotted interior plywood panel. I've got some plywood to replace it with, so I was just going to fit the new plywood around the window, but finding the leaks put an end to that plan.
While cleaning up the last of the wood stuck to the cabin wall, the aft side of the port moved and there was daylight. So, out it came and it was pretty easy since no 5200 or other caulk was used. I discovered that the sealer is a self-adhesive gray foam gasket. Not what I was expecting and not a great idea, long term. Using foam as bedding makes the beauty ring more important to the performance of the seal, but there was already a leak. On the bright side, the opening cleaned up with little effort. Same for the window frame. I am loathe to separate the frame to replace the rubber gasket for the glass - safety glass actually. The outside part of the rubber gasket is weathered, but appears intact. Maybe I can test the integrity somehow. Maybe take it to a glass place and see what they say. The inside rubber part is beautiful, black and flexible. No sign of leakage at all. Now to make the replacement plywood panel.
While cleaning up the last of the wood stuck to the cabin wall, the aft side of the port moved and there was daylight. So, out it came and it was pretty easy since no 5200 or other caulk was used. I discovered that the sealer is a self-adhesive gray foam gasket. Not what I was expecting and not a great idea, long term. Using foam as bedding makes the beauty ring more important to the performance of the seal, but there was already a leak. On the bright side, the opening cleaned up with little effort. Same for the window frame. I am loathe to separate the frame to replace the rubber gasket for the glass - safety glass actually. The outside part of the rubber gasket is weathered, but appears intact. Maybe I can test the integrity somehow. Maybe take it to a glass place and see what they say. The inside rubber part is beautiful, black and flexible. No sign of leakage at all. Now to make the replacement plywood panel.
