Fixed ports, Hunter 30

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Bob

I know someone here (besides myself) was inquiring about fixed windows for a Hunter. I was told Marks Plastics did great work (I think $185.00 each), and I talked to another company in Canada that wanted $225.00 apiece. I also read a post By JC II, I opted to listen to the genes. The old windows came out all in one piece, the calking was brittle, and although there was a little moisture in the surrounding plywood, no Rot. Thats a win! I took the old windows down to my trusty work bench, and cut the seams (they look like they are heat sealed) with a coping saw, which made a nice fine cut. I slid a razor knife between the old plexi and the frame, and after a couple of passes, they came out in one piece with no problem. I highly reccomend you spend time cleaning the channels that the old glass was in so there is no old calking or burrs. An old 1/4" chisel with a few passes on the grinder works well. I bought two pieces of plexiglass from Professional Plastics (see link below). Our boat is a 1976 Hunter 30. I had them cut the 3/8" clear plexi 7 5/8" x 36", and I cut the corners with a jig saw. The cutting only took about 10 minutes. JCII is right, cut fast or your going to have to do it a second time, the plastic melts back together. A little GE Silicone II in the channel, and everything slid right back together. I used a nylon strap to hold it in place while the silicone was drying. Much to my surprise there was just enough torque in the strap to put a little bend in the frame and the new plexi, which conveniently matches the contour of the hull, its slight, but it there. Wish I thought of it, but it just happened that way. I am not sure if I will use a dab of gel coat to fill the little slits in the old frame or maybe a dab of 5200, but 3M does not recommend 5200 with plexi, lexan or acrylic. I dont see much of a water problem, because the 3/8" plexi fits perfectly in the 3/8" channel of the old frame. Just have to bolt them back in again, a little compound, a little wax, and put a checkmark on the to-do list. Total cost $38.00 plus shipping. Oh, by the way Dont remove any more of the protective paper than you have to until the windows are in, and your ready to go sailing. Thanks for the pointers JC, I owe you a beer (or 2), I saved about $350.00 on the windows, the admiral wanted a Magma for the stern rail so I guess its a draw, and shes happy, That another win!
 
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Bob

Who manages the board? Glitch Perhaps?

I think it was phil, but I am not sure. I know you had some problems last week. I posted an article yesterday about fixed ports, and it says it has 52-53 views, but something like 4500 replies. I didnt see any so, it may be a glitch in the system. Hope its nothing serious.
 
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