Current source/price for Gray replacement ports

Terry Arnold · Apr 15, 2005

Installing Gray ports

The link is to an installation article for the ports. The original caulk( Dow 795)was in pristine condition in most locations. Instead of using this caulk, I used building supply silicone and had some problems in bonding with the flanges. Now I am rebedding with the Dow 795 (which I had a hard time locating) and would recommend you using it from the start. Good idea also to make a test application to the plastic surface to determine if adhesion is adequate before installing. Priming or cleaning may very well be required. In addition, several have remarked that the modern versions of the Gray port does not have the uv resistance manifested by the originals and in the two years mine have been installed, this is definitely the case so that it would be a great idea to paint the ports from the start.

Benny · Apr 15, 2005

Source for Replacement Ports

Find the web page for Pompanette LLC, They are a divison of Bomar and years back acquired Gray Industries in Tampa. They still manufacture all components for the original portholes both in white and black.There is a section in their product list for the Gray line with a listing and prices. Even though I reside in Tampa and know where they are located I place my orders through the net and get a two day delivery through the mail.You may want to combine white parts with plastic parts to get the two tone effect that you mentioned.

jim logan · Apr 15, 2005

Bought them from sailnet

I bought 6 of the 7x15's from sailnet to install in my 33 2 months ago...they were around $ 90 each by the time they got to me after discounts and such...delivery was ok from sailnet, 4 came direct from sailnet and two were dropshipped from the factory...you need to figure about another $10-$20 per port for the correct sealant, either the dow 795 or a good grade of marine silicone.

chet p · Apr 15, 2005

i have 2 on ebay

i have 2 listed on ebay so you might want to check them out. i had them listed here on the how site but got no response so i listed them

Ed Schenck · Apr 17, 2005

E-Bay Link.

Here is a link to some Bomar portlights Sanders. Chet has two listed separately.I have also heard that West Marine will deal if you take in the Pompanette part number.I have not read all of the links so I may be repeating what you already know. But just a reminder that you will want to fill in any missing core. And you will want to epoxy the perimeter to prevent future water ingress.You are wise to install the same portlights. You know my story(and others) with switching to bronze or stainless.

Trent · Apr 18, 2005

Gray ports

I bought all new ports this winter from Outlaw marine on Ebay no bidding just call $79. each any size brand new in box.dont let the name scare you very nice to do business with>

jlogan · Apr 18, 2005

Terry Arnold..GE Silicone II use for bedding

Terry: I remember you used GE silicone II to bed the portlights you put in, I thought it would work also and was going to use it for mine, since I am cheap....However, if you had problems, I'm going to rethink that...How did what you used fail? Where did you find the Dow 795 and what did it cost?Thanks, Jim Logan

Tom · Apr 18, 2005

Dow 795 Locator

Dow 795 is not that hard to find. I picked some up today for about $5 cartridge.Try Dow Cornings distributor locator:

Terry Arnold · Apr 18, 2005

Jim Logan Silicone II shortcomings

Jim, I didn't make a test application of the caulk to test adhesion which turned out to be a mistake. In taking off a leaking sealing flange a couple of weeks ago, I found that Silicone II caulk that I used in 2001 adhered tenaciously to the cabin trunk which had been freshly repainted with a two part polyurethane, but weakly or not at all to the new port sealing flange, thus my recommendation to check adhesion with any caulk (including Dow 795 ) for the surfaces to be joined if adhesion is part of the sealing scheme. The info with the ports said nothing about checking adhesion or priming or anything except use silicone caulk. Certainly my experience with removing the original ports was that the old pinkish caulk that Hunter originally used adhered very well to all surfaces that it was applied to. Informed opinion from this site is that the original was Dow 795 and it is on the strength of that that I am using 795 for necessary redoing of several slightly leaking ports from the 2001 installation.

Jlogan · Apr 18, 2005

Makes me wonder if Marine Silicone will do...

any better...I bought a tube of marine silicone from West Marine and a tube of the Silicone II and was going to test them, but it almost sounds like the silicone based caulks are breaking the seal ...whether that is due to aging, flexure, or whatever...wonder if that perhaps should be expected and the rebedding needs to be added to maintenance every 3 years or so...not a job I would like to due that often

mfiorito · Apr 19, 2005

I replaced my ports last year. I purchased them from Defender phone number 1-800-628-8225. The price was @ 90.00 for the larger and @ 80 for the smaller ones.

Dick Cuthbert · Apr 21, 2005

Black ports

Two years ago I bit the bullet and put in new replacement ports (black) on my 1979 Hunter 33, and it has really dressed up the boat.... I also cut down some of the overhang on the forward windows so that the sheets do not get hung up ......I pick up this from Bob Adams who had a 1979 Hunter 37 ........... I have pics if you want to see the difference .......other side of the bay ..........dick

Current source/price for Gray replacement ports

Sanders

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Terry Arnold

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Benny

jim logan

chet p

Sanders

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Ed Schenck

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Trent

jlogan

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Tom

Terry Arnold

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Jlogan

mfiorito

Dick Cuthbert

Sanders

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