Association Forum - Mid-Season Temp fix for leaky Portholes/Windows

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Mid-Season Temp fix for leaky Portholes/Windows

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SneakyP77
Deckhand

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2 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/08/2026 : 06:16:58

I just bought a 1985 C-25 a few weeks ago. I visited the boat last night towards the end of a pretty good rain to see where my leaks are. Pretty typical: poor sealing in the companionway crib boards, chain plates, and 2 of my 4 fixed aluminum frame portholes (also one of my opening hatches in the starboard head, but its leaking at the opening gasket, so that seems straightforward).

For the fixed frame portholes, I ordered the repair kit from CatalinaDirect. I plan to make that repair at the end of the season when she's on the hard. I don't love the idea of opening a hole in the side of the boat in the middle of the season especially if things don't go as planned.

In the meantime, is there a quick/temporary fix I can make to stop the leaking portholes for the rest of the season? I was thinking to seal from the outside with some sort of caulking or marine sealant or even some waterproofing tape like Gorilla or the FlexSeal stuff. Something that will hold up for another 3 months and won't leave behind a huge mess when I got to do a proper repair in the fall.

P.S. I am located on the coast in New England

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3514 Posts

Response Posted - 07/08/2026 : 15:27:31

(1) You can use a silicone caulking along the outside perimeter.
(2) I think I used 3M 4200 sealant on a crack on one of my ports and it has held up so well, I have the replacement port but have procrastinated for many years permanently fixing it. My website opening page has info regarding replacing a port (one without the frame) with drawings from Catalina the mfr.
(3) I have used boat butyl tape for rebedding the grab rails, etc components. It is superior to using sealants/caulking for rebedding and probably would work to seal the outside perimeter of the port. Believe it generally comes in black or white, not clear. I believe it also comes in different widths�you would need the narrowest width or if 1/2� is all you can get, recommend slice it with a knife or scissor to perhaps 1/4� or 3/8� and press it into the outside perimeter. Not gooey but sort of like putty but after it sets over time may be a little hard to eventually remove the residue. Still��Butyl tape is probably the way to go.

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - OLarryR on 07/08/2026 15:31:41

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5918 Posts

Response Posted - 07/08/2026 : 17:53:10

Window leaks on boats are common. The sealing compound deteriorates, windows get cracked, etc. Every boat I've owned has had a window that leaked at some time. I got in the habit of putting a tarp over the coach roof of my boats when not in use, whether the windows leaked or not. If the windows leak, it keeps the water out. If they don't leak, it helps prevent sealants from deteriorating. It also shades the boat and keeps it cooler inside. I used a tarp that stretched across the windows. I held them in place with bungees. I used the "heavy duty" ones that are either green or brown and silver, and they lasted two years.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.