1985 C-27 Port lights

[Loose Ends]

1985 C-27 Port lights replacement or repair.

Hello all,

Has anyone removed and replaced their port lights in their C-27?
I have a broken seal in the corner of one of them. I would like to remove and rebed the window, but I would like to know what I am in store for. Worst case the port breaks, and then I guess I am screwed until a replacement can be had. I am trying to avoid that at all costs.
I believe I can lift the offending corner enough to get some kind of sealant behind the window with a hyper dermic needle.
What are they made of?

Any thoughts?

Would I have to source my own windows, and is there anything special about the cut?

Thanks

 

[newboatowner]

replacement of port lights

Hello all,

Has anyone removed and replaced their port lights in their C-27?
I have a broken seal in the corner of one of them. I would like to remove and rebed the window, but I would like to know what I am in store for. Worst case the port breaks, and then I guess I am screwed until a replacement can be had. I am trying to avoid that at all costs.
I believe I can lift the offending corner enough to get some kind of sealant behind the window with a hyper dermic needle.
What are they made of?

Any thoughts?

Would I have to source my own windows, and is there anything special about the cut
Thanks

I have reset my ports on a number of occasions and it was a messy, difficult job until I purchased the proper tool and stayed away from the recommended sealants.
Get yourself a multi tool from Sears ($69.00) and use the scraper attachment. Carefully start on one end under the exterior aluminum frame and push gently along the back of it. It would help if it was a warm day. When you get 2/3 of the way around, carefully rock it back and forth to break the seal on the bottom of frame. It you have not broken everything that can break you will then need to scape all of the sealant off the surface of both the frame and boat. The multi tool handles both but go over the aluminum lip with a wire wheel on a drill. Everything must be free from sealant.

Purchase something called Moretight. Place this caulking around the inside lip of the frame (don't be afraid of using too much). It comes in a roll and is a caulking that stays pliable. Set the frame back on the boat and tighten the set screws. There is no need to let it cure.
It cleans up beautifully with no mess and it works like a charm.

 

[jrowan]

I know that a lot of sailors in this forum swear by Butyl tape which stays pliable, but can be messy to work with.

 

[sailorhokie]

If your 1985 is like mine, the port lights are smoked Lexan adhered and screwed into indentions (no frames).

Removal is straight forward. Remove the external screws. Use a wide flat blade screwdriver to gently pry the windows from the inside using the flat blade to pierce the sealant. Work about three inches at a time. Be extra careful at the corners and edges. The edges are beveled so the windows set flush and are easy to chip/crack.

Consider tracing/measuring the windows beforehand. Could cut replacements or have them made. Cruising Concepts makes new windows.

Remove the remaining sealant from the frames and windows. A flat screwdriver blade works well. Once mostly removed, sand the frames to remove the rest. Wipe everything down. I avoided solvents as I didn't want them interfering with the seal.

Dow 795 is a great choice of sealant. Generously apply sealant around the edges of each window. Set into the opening, press around the edges, insert/tighten screws. I had to redo a window because I didn't use enough sealant in one spot.

To keep everything clean I applied painters tape all over. Made a nice edge when removed and avoided messy cleanup. Take the time to do the taping.

Josh

 

[Loose Ends]

If your 1985 is like mine, the port lights are smoked Lexan adhered and screwed into indentions (no frames). Removal is straight forward. Remove the external screws. Use a wide flat blade screwdriver to gently pry the windows from the inside using the flat blade to pierce the sealant. Work about three inches at a time. Be extra careful at the corners and edges. The edges are beveled so the windows set flush and are easy to chip/crack. Consider tracing/measuring the windows beforehand. Could cut replacements or have them made. Cruising Concepts makes new windows. Remove the remaining sealant from the frames and windows. A flat screwdriver blade works well. Once mostly removed, sand the frames to remove the rest. Wipe everything down. I avoided solvents as I didn't want them interfering with the seal. Dow 795 is a great choice of sealant. Generously apply sealant around the edges of each window. Set into the opening, press around the edges, insert/tighten screws. I had to redo a window because I didn't use enough sealant in one spot. To keep everything clean I applied painters tape all over. Made a nice edge when removed and avoided messy cleanup. Take the time to do the taping. Josh

Yes i do have the lexan windows. Is there any special cuts around the edges? Bevels etc or are they just a strait flat cut?
Since you have had your out i guess you could tell me the answer to that question. I have cracks where the screws go through the lexan. So it really looks like I need to replace them to be safe.
Bill