need deck vent plate source

[bill quisenberry]

I have recently purchased 1983 O'Day 28 which has what appears to be 2 vent openings located forward of the front hatch. They measure 3-11/16" inside diameter. I have been unable to locate replacement "plugs" or plates of this size. Both currently have damaged lexan or clear plastic inserts. Any suggestions?

 

[Trevor]

Suggestion

If you can't locate deck plates to fit the existing holes, you could enlarge the holes to fit a standard size vent plate than you can obtain locally. Something to consider anyway,Trevor

 

[Mike]

deck lights

Bill-Those "openings" aren't openings at all. The clear plastic inserts are intended to allow light to enter the V-berth during the day so you can see while in the V-berth. If you mean damaged, as in scratched, and they don't leak I would leave well enough alone. But if they leak then you may want to get some inserts and 5200 them in place. Putting true vents which stand proud of the deck will create the trip hazard from hell. If you want to vent the V-berth then open the hatch. If you want to vent it while you're away then buy a solar powered vent fan and place it on the hatch. Good Luck,Mike

 

[don gifford]

been there, done that

My 37 center cockpit has the same light portson the front deck. They were badly crazed andapparantly a source of leak some time back.I removed the lenses, brought them to a localauto glass replacement store. They measuredand had a couple of options for plexiglas andlexan. I had to fabricate the replacement withtwo discs for each port. A larger diameter forthe on deck surface which needed to have a beveledge for fit and a smaller diameter to fit through the deck and give some strength to theunit for those heavy foredeck guys who you knowwill be walking on them. I pieced them togetherwith some clear epoxy and siliconed the rascalsin place. I went a little cheap on the thicknessof the upper piece, and will probably have toreplace sooner than I'd like, but no leaks notedyet. Yes I put a four inch solar powered ventin that forward hatch.