This is my first post, please bear with me. i recently purchased a 1977 S2 9.2C. Love the boat so far, but almost all of the ten portlights are cracked all the way through on each end right at the drains. I have confirmed that they are Beckson 414 ports. I plan on buying the rain drain model for slanted hulls. Is this correct? The next and biggest question is, the part that sldes through the opening is called the spigot, they come from 5/8 to 2 inches. This length is determined by hull thickness. I am some distance from the boat so getting a measurement anytime soon is out. Does anyone know what spigot length I need. thanks in advance.
1st, let me encourage you to call Beckson (203-333-1412) directly. They know our boats, will tell you what you need, and will tell you to use a 3M sealant that is better for the task than any other. Buy enough tubes to have plenty on hand... , expecting to use 2/3 of a tube per unit.
I too had to do all my ports (1998), same reason. I purchased 1" deep units and they worked in all locations BUT...I would get a 1 1/4 to 1 1/2" unit for the head compartment.
You will find out that the originals were NOT Smoke color, but rather "Bronze". Last purchase I made from Beckson in 2009, the Bronze were n. l. a...so if your lenses are good, save them!
The screws and nuts are special....and length is critical. If the screw is too long, the cap-nut will bottom out and the unit may not seal. So, have several extra screws on hand of various lengths. I found that the thickness of the cabin, even at one port, was not even...and so screws of 2 or more lengths were needed to make it all work.
Also, they have a new design that covers the screw-heads on the outside. (old style was still available in 2009) This new style is a game-changer for the installation, as once the unit is in place with sealant, there's no opportunity to back the screw out and put in another longer / shorter one. Again, talk to the folks at Beckson; they want to help and really do know our boat.
I have a "blow by blow" description of the replacement process (written, no photos) which I will mail to anyone who requests it. send me a request at "dswish@roadrunner.com".
