Pearson Yachts Forum

Pearson Boats - Common Systems => Ports & Hatches => Topic started by: MangoCats on February 11, 2019, 07:53:56 PM

Title: Beckson 414 opening ports
Post by: MangoCats on February 11, 2019, 07:53:56 PM
My 1984 303 came to me with what appear to be 4 original Beckson 414 opening ports, plastic windows with screens.  One had a gasket in horrid condition, the others are reasonable but not perfect.

I bought 4 new gaskets from Beckson, but my first attempt at replacing the first one was an hour of pure frustration.  It was about 70F, but the gasket was too cold and stiff to stretch and fit into the slot - the directions that came in the box with the gaskets didn't mention heating the gasket, I gave up after over an hour of trying to get it to seat around the first corner, dry, with soap, stretching, etc. no luck - put the old gasket back and went home to research.

The Beckson online instructions include a step to leave the gasket in the sun to warm up before starting.  I didn't have enough sun at my second attempt, but I did flip on the water heater long enough to get the galley sink deep enough with lukewarm water to soak the gasket for a few minutes - after that it only took about 15 minutes of average struggling to get the new gasket seated properly.

One down, three to go.
Title: Re: Beckson 414 opening ports
Post by: SailRxSin on June 12, 2020, 05:13:06 AM
Good info, I am about to order new gaskets for mine
Title: Re: Beckson 414 opening ports
Post by: Last Resort on June 13, 2020, 12:11:05 AM
heating AND a "little" stretching are necessary to put the gaskets in easily....I was taught to put them around something that would slightly stretch them and leave them in the sun for awhile....my first aid tool box was JUST the right size and once heated and stretched it only took minutes to get each gasket in all 4 of my Beckson ports.
Title: Re: Beckson 414 opening ports
Post by: selene on June 14, 2020, 11:22:35 PM
Last year I replaced all my Beckson with New Found Metals bronze ports. Which are awesome. So I have (2?) 'newish' Beckson plastic ports (it was the hinges on the frames that were breaking up), plus the original ones, and 4 'newish' gaskets....all ~4-5 years old...before I put it all in recycling, if anybody wants parts, message me.
Title: Re: Beckson 414 opening ports
Post by: Alma on June 16, 2020, 08:30:58 PM
Yes Selene-

I'm happy with my Beksons and I could use the spares.

Please send me an email @

gene@genesmithstudio  dot   com  and I'll cover shipping costs.