Replacing leaking plexiglass portlights

[Peter Reynolds]

Hi,
I am looking to replace the portlights on my S299 (Seidelmann). The current ones are screwed on from the outside and are quite cracked throughout. They are 3/8" plexiglass and I was looking for something a bit more robust. with a full aluminum seal and ones that open.

I have checked Lewmar for portlights, but I think the ones I require need to be a little convex to match the shape of the hull. Lewmar seems to only sell flat ones.

Does anyone have a brand to recommend to me to work with my boat?

Thanks,
Peter

 

[Ross]

Put a straight edge on the hull where you plan the changes and determine just how much curve you actually have.

 

[Tim R.]

Check the cabin top with a straight edge. Many look curved but do not curve enough to require shaped portlights.

I replaced all my portlights last off season with factory Bomars or custom Bomons. The longer portlights curve less than 1/8" from one end to the other on my cabin top.

 

[Tricia]

reortlights

If you can't find appropriate framed portlights, it is possible to replace the plexi: make the screwholes oversized so the plexi can expand and contract, use round headed screws and flat washers so that the pressure from the screws is on the surface of the plexi and not in the holes, and bed in Dow Corning 795, a construction grade silicone that's used for bedding windows in highrises. I replaced my portlights this way several years ago and there's no sign of cracking or leaking. If you do it this way, make sure ALL the old sealant is scraped and cleaned off so the new stuff has a good chance of adhering.

 

[BobM]

http://www.freemanmarine.com/ProductsSpecialProjects.htm
http://marine-doors-hatches.com/portlights.html
http://www.marinewindowsmfg.com/

There are a number of companies that my search generated. One may be interested in making custom portlights for you...it may be a significant investment though!

 

[Tim R.]

http://www.freemanmarine.com/ProductsSpecialProjects.htm
http://marine-doors-hatches.com/portlights.html
http://www.marinewindowsmfg.com/

There are a number of companies that my search generated. One may be interested in making custom portlights for you...it may be a significant investment though!

If you go custom, Bomon in Quebec is the best(I think) in quality and service. Their prices are pretty good too.

 

[BobM]

If you go custom, Bomon in Quebec is the best(I think) in quality and service. Their prices are pretty good too.

So here is a link to them too. http://www.bomon.com/fixed.htm#New Sail

Someone else with an Ericson on another site paid $300 a port in June 08, so I agree, that isn't a bad price even if it is a ballpark figure.

 

[Ross]

I paid about 200 each for Lewmar ports in the mid '90's.