Installation question regarding Gray portlights.

[Robert1224]

Ahoy,

I am replacing nine port lights on my 1979 Hunter 30 with new Gray units. My question is: Given the new outer trim ring is not held in place with hardware, what type of adhesive or sealant have members used; Lifeseal, Dolphinite, 4200, butyl tape?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Dalliance]

None of those! Use the Dow 795 structural silicone recommended by the manufacturer - both to seal the portlites and to adhere the trim rings. You won't find it at Home Depot or Menard's, and West Marine doesn't even know what it is. When I did this project a couple years ago, I ordered it on line from a company called Mudd Supply.

 

[Jim Legere]

^^^ What Dalliance said!
It was a long time ago, but I think I used a GE product that was equivalent to the Dow 795. Get the silicone recommended from a plastics and glazing supply outlet, not from Home Depot, etc. Its also very important to remove any trace of old silicone from the hull, using acetone, scraper, scrub pads and lots of paper towel or clean rags BEFORE applying any new silicone.

 

[GorillaToast]

In addition to the Dow 795, I used a few screws to add a mechanical advantage.



I used one of the old rings as a template

 

[tmjb]

Just finished four more on mine, now total of six, all with Dow 795. Seems to work fine. Easy to tool. Need to clamp the trim ring in place until the silicone sets up.

I used a full 10oz cartridge for my largest, 818's maybe 3/4 for the smaller 714's I think but that was last year.

Good luck.

 

[Dalliance]

I used C-clamps and blocks of wood to hold the trim rings in place until the silicone set up.

While you have the portlites out, it's a good opportunity the seal all the edges of the plywood core with epoxy to project against future water intrusion.