I'm about to replace my fixed ports again on my '84 H34 and have read the great threads on Owner Mods, but would like to replace the plastic frames with new material. Does anyone have a source for making new frames for the fixed windows? I've tried the internet but no luck.
Help with fixed port replacement
- Thread starter Mike Oldak
- Start date
Which port window below do you want to replace? If you have not already might check with the SBO store for Hunter 34 ports and windows in the link below. Also link provided on a Sail Magazine article entitled "Replacing Fixed Portlights".
www.sailmagazine.com
DIY: Replacing Fixed Portlights
Let’s start with a tip. Kits sold in auto stores for polishing headlamps can also restore the clarity to portlights. If your plastic portlights are cloudy, not crazed, this is where you should start.
www.sailmagazine.com
I share your pain, Mike. I searched for the material to make them, but never found the extrusion I needed. The only thing I have thought of would be to have them done on a 3D printer, then painted to keep the UV from eating them in a couple of years.
I'm hoping for a project in the future to revive my benchtop cnc and mill these interior frames out of aluminum. Until then I'll be trying to reuse my plastic ones like you gents. They really shouldn't be that hard to model in Fusion, just need to get my machine going again!
Haha, probably not that hard, but again, my machine is down right now and I have a bigger issue with my chainplates to solve before I even think about getting it going again. This is something I hope tackle in the next year, but not any time soon, sorry Mike! Was just hoping to pass ideas around. Especially like Kloudie mentioned in 3D printing them. Both would require a model be done first. If you were handy enough with welding aluminum you could even do some out of small angle aluminum, a miter saw, and a sander I bet. Those would be harder to duplicate sets of however
Actually I have a MIG welder that can do aluminum and I also just purchased the torch fired aluminum rods. Maybe I will try to weld up a set from extruded aluminum, using my radial arm saw and one of my 6 sanders.I'll look for some z shaped extruded aluminum like some of the articles mention. But considering I've been restoring the boat for over a year, this portion of the restoration might coincide with your chain plate work.
I may have the real answer! I spoke with Sailboat Owners store and they gave me the name of Mark Plastics in California. Mark Plastics(951) 735-7705369 E Harrison St # GCorona, CA 92879 or markplastics.com
Apparently Mark Plastics made the plastic replacements for the earlier aluminum frames. that have maybe one screw outside at the forward point and many screws inside. They now make them with tempered glass for about $1300 delivered for all four fixed ports.
Apparently Mark Plastics made the plastic replacements for the earlier aluminum frames. that have maybe one screw outside at the forward point and many screws inside. They now make them with tempered glass for about $1300 delivered for all four fixed ports.
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No glasswork. Just measure 3x (template) and cut once and trim to fit with deemed. Use blue tape to mark the outer boundaries of your cut. Jig saw with a blade for cutting fiberglass (not wood). Tape the portlight box to the inside of the window; template and cut from the outside. Do not cut from the inside! U need the perfect cut on the outside.
the windows fit and seal up fine. 6x 1’s; 3x 2’s; 2x 4’s; and 1x 4L and 4R.
the windows fit and seal up fine. 6x 1’s; 3x 2’s; 2x 4’s; and 1x 4L and 4R.
On my ‘86 H34, the original 4x fixed windows were all rectangular and equal in size. The outside had an overlapping plexi which gave the outside a trapezoid look.
I installed one fixed plexiglass window to replace the two leaking aluminum one. Was easy and looks great.
