Lewmar Opening Ports

[Dennis Honeycutt]

I know there has been a lot posted about opening ports but I can't find anything in the archives. My opening Lewmar ports (tinted plastic) are crazed. These ports aren't leaking, just plain ugly. Is it possible to just replace the plastic window instead of the whole port? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Dennis
S/V Kailani

 

[Bob]

opening ports

You can try several different types of waxes that supposedly remove the hazing. If that does not work contact Select Plastics in Norwalk, Ct. They have the templates for the Lewmar ports.

 

[kloudie1]

Crazed Portlights

Dennis, an option that will last about one season or maybe more, is to carefully remove the port glass and polish the crazing out. If the crazing is really bad, use automotive scratch remover or polishing compound followed by automotive cleaner wax. Use small circular motions with a nice terry cloth as the instructions on the products direct.. I think you’ll be surprised by the results. There is no need to use Plexiglas polish or any product that is specifically made to clean Plexiglas. If the crazing is not too bad, the automotive cleaner wax will work. This is great on hatches too. The glass itself can be replaced, but it is fairly expensive. The parts are available on this web site in the chandlry.

 

[jimq26]

Use what they use on airplanes to clean their windows.

I can't remember the name of it, but it consisted a kit of fine "sandpapers" going all the way to #2000 I think. You polish with the courser grade first in one direction only, then do the next in the opposite direction and so on.
When finished, they look like brand new, and you don't need to remove the portlights.
The major airlines use it to keep their windows clear.
I loaned the kit out a few times and everyone who used it loved the results. My problem is I can't remember who I last loaned it to.

 

[Jim P]

Details?

Jimq26:

Sounds like what you've used would be great. Did you get it at a marine store, airplane supply store or where?

Thanks!

 

[jimq26]

Actually picked it up at a marine chandlery.

I'll see if I can dig up more info for you.

 

[jimq26]

Actually picked it up at a marine chandlery.

It was called Micro-Mesh system. This is from a google search.

The 3M Company, Meguiars, Micro-Surface (Micro-Mesh), and others all supply kits that will do this job - with lots of your help. The kits consist of many progressively finer abrasive sheets or creams that are used in sequence to remove defects and to polish back to clarity. Another product, our favorite, is the Satinal pad made by Transelco. This one-time-use pad is dipped in water and makes a 5-micron slurry that will remove fine scratches and polish back to clarity in one step. For deeper scratches, it can be used in conjunction with 600, 1500, or 2000 grit wet sandpaper. Again, it would be best to practice on scrap material. By now, you have figured out this can be a lot of work, and you’re right.

 

[Ross]

Dennis , My lewmar opening ports have hinged plastic that is secured by screws at

the hinges and the dogs can also be removed. Any good plastic fabricator can make new ones. They can also be polished. I have polished cheap plastic watch crystals with automotive polishing compound. Maybe this explains why someone wanted window curtains.

 

[Landsend]

You can buy the crazed smoked parts separatly.

call Lewmar and tell them the size.

 

[ITMaster]

Dennis, the care instructions that Lewmar

Provided with my opening portals and hatches said to wash them with a mild detergent and water and to wipe dry with a soft cotton cloth.

They further indicate that if the acrylic becomes scratched and or hazed that these defects can be removed with several process approaches. First, they can be removed with a hand polishing and the use of a plastic scratch remover and a soft flannel pad. If they are deeper, they can be removed with 400-grit "wet or dry" sandpaper using plenty of water and frequent rinsing of the sandpaper. Then to follow with a buffing with a clean muslin wheel and a good polishing compound. To progress to a higher gloss, to follow up with a clean up wheel made of soft cotton or flannel with no compound.

MY only suggestion that would differ from the Lewmar instruction would be to work progressively toward finer grit paper until I got up to like a 1600 to 2000 grit and the wet sand process, just like you would with a gel coat repair.

This may be worth the effort and a little more economical. Let us know what you wind up doing and how it works out.

 

[Buck Harrison]

Yes, Dennis,

you CAN replace the crazed acrilic in your Lewmar (opening) ports.
See my reply to "Jim" dated 6/10/08 in the archives.
Despite everyone's well meaning responses, this problem can't be solved by cleaning/polishing. It is not a surface problem, the acrilic becomes internally crazed and must be replaced.
Tim Dean at Florida Rigging and Hydraulics will be a great help.