Erasing years on an Oday 32!!

[2sticks]

We moved Fairwinds to the Marina here in Ft. Myers and have been cleaning years of small overlooked areas and accumulated mildew and stuff. After a month onboard, I'm getting to the next projects solving some small leaks and refinishing exerior brightwork. In rebedding some small bits on deck, I've come to the two round decklights forward on the foredeck. I'd like to remove them and clean and polish the bronze parts and lenses, but could use some advice on the caulk. 5200 might be more permanent than I want but they've lasted 35 yrs. so far. Maybe permanent is what they should be. Also, Fairwinds came with a fitting between the decklights and a never used bronze Dorade that I believe to be from the Oday factory. The opening empties directly into the forepeak and has no dorade box, baffles or anything. How do they use that?
Regards, Darrell

 

[heritage]

A prior owner had replaced the decklights on our 37cc O'day with round Beckson compartment covers. I replaced those with two solar vents. The solar vents let in some light and do a good job of moving hot air out of the v-berth. I used Boatlife polysulfide caulking for the install. Butyl tape should work fine also.

I'm not familiar with a dorade vent on the O'days.

 

[rajhnsn]

There is a 4200 caulk out now that is not as permanent but has similar qualities to 5200.

 

[2sticks]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have 2 solar vents in the cabin now, 1 in the aft cabin, 1 in the main cabin and the forward cabin seems well ventilated now. I really would like to keep the original bronze fittings and have a touch of polish on the foredeck. In the process of beginning to clean them up, I.ve found one of the deck lenses to be cracked. Don't know if it's completely parted or a partial crack. Wonder if I can find replacement glass to match?

Thanks, Darrell

 

[2sticks]

By the way, I've been rubbing teak oil over everything in the cabin and have been delighted at the way Fairwinds is coming back. The little boat has just been waiting for someone to show her some love! Glad we found her.