[C320-list] Portlight Replacement/Repair?

[Michael Paris]

To those of you that have replaced the opening portlights, has the crazing returned? My 2000 (#734) C320 has the rounded sides with hinges mounted to the lens so it’s not as simple as some. My concern is replacing them all and having the crazing return.

Thanks,
Mike P
#734
Southern California

> On Mar 25, 2022, at 4:36 AM, Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> David-
> 
> Frank is right, there are tons of articles on this list for replacing the
> opening portlights (one as recent as a few weeks ago).  This job is fairly
> simple.   The only tricky part is separating the portlight from the outer
> hull without scratching the gel coat.   Just go easy with plastic scrapers
> and wood shims and they will come off.    I would say that an experienced
> pro could do the entire job in half a day, but allow a full day for a
> newbie.
> 
> Troy Dunn
> Hull#514
> 
> On Thu, Mar 24, 2022 at 10:55 PM P.F. Ross <pfrstl at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Hi David,
>> 
>> You will find much discussion on the list on the portlight topic.  I putzed
>> around with mine for many years and was never able to get them to seal to
>> my satisfaction, even though there are others who have had better luck.
>> And you are right, trying to replace the rubber seals in them is nigh on
>> impossible.
>> 
>> Two or three years ago, I replaced all of my opening portlights with the
>> newer design Lewmar Standard Rectangular Size 1 from Defender (their p/n
>> 900365-1-WHI).  At the time, the Defender 1st price was just under $200
>> each and I broke it up into two projects, doing the aft stateroom first and
>> the main salon later.  Helped with cash flow as well as project load.
>> 
>> These are a much improved design with only one frame seam (at mid bottom)
>> and no through holes in the lens for either hinges or closures.  Absolutely
>> stopped all portlight leaks (although make sure you get them bedded
>> properly, I used Bed-It butyl tape).  The original design had several
>> possible leak paths.
>> 
>> Replacing the portlights yourself is not difficult, just a little tedious
>> to make sure you get all old sealant removed and cleaned for the new
>> lights.  I used a plastic putty knife and mineral spirits, IIRC.
>> 
>> I have not replaced my fixed portlights, although I did rebed the one in
>> the aft stateroom.
>> 
>> Good luck, you can do it!
>> 
>> Frank Ross
>> Beta Wave #206
>> Naples, FL
>> 
>> On Thu, Mar 24, 2022 at 10:23 PM David Wellerstein <dwellers at mac.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> I’ll put this out to the list…
>>> 
>>> We had several heavy rains this year and our ’94’s port lights almost all
>>> leaked, some quite badly.  Even to the point where I avoid getting spray
>> on
>>> them when I hose the boat down.  They are quite crazed (as am I) too.
>>> 
>>> We bought new rubber gaskets but they are an absolute B to put in and I’m
>>> not sure that’s the source of the trouble anyway.  I think the deck
>> hatches
>>> are ok though I did need to re-affix the head hatch glass to the trim.
>>> That seems to be holding.
>>> 
>>> Has anyone done a full port light replacement?  Order of magnitude cost?
>>> They appear to be about $240 apiece from Catalina Direct so my simple
>> math
>>> says that’s about $1700 for the ports.  Replacing them myself looks very
>>> involved, tedious and time consuming.  Is this something a general yard
>> can
>>> do or are there specialists out there?  It appears the non-opening
>> windows
>>> are watertight but should they be replaced as well?
>>> 
>>> Thanks as always!
>>> 
>>> David
>>> C320 #118 Dream Catcher
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>