New Windows for Oday 272

Dec 29, 2014
48
Oday 272 Kentucky Dam Marina
Hey All,
I am getting ready to replace the windows on my Oday 272. I already have the Starboard side's windows from Rudy at D&R, but thought I could get the Port side cheaper if I order them online and cut them myself. Problem is, I can't seem to find SMOKED Plexi 1/4", 12X48" anywhere (which is what Rudy sent me). However, I have been able to find Black. Any reason why the Black wouldn't work? I know there is a step involving black spray paint so I assume that step would need to be followed regardless the color of the window?
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,249
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Hey All,
I am getting ready to replace the windows on my Oday 272. I already have the Starboard side's windows from Rudy at D&R, but thought I could get the Port side cheaper if I order them online and cut them myself. Problem is, I can't seem to find SMOKED Plexi 1/4", 12X48" anywhere (which is what Rudy sent me). However, I have been able to find Black. Any reason why the Black wouldn't work? I know there is a step involving black spray paint so I assume that step would need to be followed regardless the color of the window?
If it is black, can you see through it? I assume not, or it would be “smoked” or “tinted” or something like that.

I assumed the black spray paint is around the edges, as the plexi on the xx2 series O’days (including my 322) runs below where you can see out…and that is probably painted black (so you don’t see the inside of the window cutout).

But I have not replaced my windows…so speculation on my part.

The ones that you got from D&R are already “painted” on the perimeter? Are they the ones with the port light in them or the middle ones? Or both? I assume you are not trying to make the aft-most piece that wraps up over the roof…

I do want to know how this works out for you as the edges on the windows on my 322 have some cracks where they were screwed down, and they have a bit of crazing.

Greg

IMG_3129.jpeg
 
Dec 29, 2014
48
Oday 272 Kentucky Dam Marina
The ones I got from D&R are "smokey," but I can see through them. The instructions advise to spray paint the perimeter around the part that attaches to the boat, for I assume aesthetic purposes. The ones I saw online are black all around, but I have no idea if it's possible to see through them as online stuff is always somewhat of a gamble. Of course I want all the windows to match. Kloudie1 provided a link to a good site I may use when I get ready to place my order. Replacing windows is such an intimidating task that I have no idea when I'll get the gumption to start. :-/
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,066
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
Peidmont plastics in Chicago is a great company to work with. Petersen plastics is one of the larger outfits out there
 
Dec 29, 2014
48
Oday 272 Kentucky Dam Marina
Wow, Kloudie1! That looks great! I love the idea of hot-gluing a small shelf for the window to sit on while it cures. I don't plan on drilling any holes in the plexi so I'm looking for ways to secure them until they're cured. Thanks!
 
Jun 1, 2007
272
O'Day 322 Mt.Sinai
If it is black, can you see through it? I assume not, or it would be “smoked” or “tinted” or something like that.

I assumed the black spray paint is around the edges, as the plexi on the xx2 series O’days (including my 322) runs below where you can see out…and that is probably painted black (so you don’t see the inside of the window cutout).

But I have not replaced my windows…so speculation on my part.

The ones that you got from D&R are already “painted” on the perimeter? Are they the ones with the port light in them or the middle ones? Or both? I assume you are not trying to make the aft-most piece that wraps up over the roof…

I do want to know how this works out for you as the edges on the windows on my 322 have some cracks where they were screwed down, and they have a bit of crazing.

Greg

View attachment 228105
Greg, I did all but one of my fixed ports a few years ago, 1 left. I bought them from Rudy. Big change from the old days on how you mount them. No more screws, they lead to cracks as time goes on, and were only used to keep the window in place while the Dow 795 sets up. Better way is to use 3m VHB double sided tape to keep the window in place, and the 795 around the perimeter. No screws. You do need to spray the areas of the port that don't carry light into the boat. The windows from Rudy come with brown paper adhered to them. Cut out the part of the paper that needs black paint, spray them up, then remove the rest of the paper backing and mount. I have pics from when I did mine if you want.
 
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Jan 7, 2011
5,249
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Greg, I did all but one of my fixed ports a few years ago, 1 left. I bought them from Rudy. Big change from the old days on how you mount them. No more screws, they lead to cracks as time goes on, and were only used to keep the window in place while the Dow 795 sets up. Better way is to use 3m VHB double sided tape to keep the window in place, and the 795 around the perimeter. No screws. You do need to spray the areas of the port that don't carry light into the boat. The windows from Rudy come with brown paper adhered to them. Cut out the part of the paper that needs black paint, spray them up, then remove the rest of the paper backing and mount. I have pics from when I did mine if you want.
Love to see photos. I am sure mine are due, but every time I put the windows in my ”cart”, I cringe a bit and tell myself that they aren’t that bad :cool:

Greg
 
Dec 29, 2014
48
Oday 272 Kentucky Dam Marina
I attached my photos below. It was not really as difficult a process as I had feared. With some emotional support from friends, we got the job done with no issues. The only mistake I made was not pulling off all the paper from the inside before installing. Some remnants are visible on the perimeter that I will have to remove with tweezers. Otherwise, they look great!
 

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Jan 7, 2011
5,249
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
I attached my photos below. It was not really as difficult a process as I had feared. With some emotional support from friends, we got the job done with no issues. The only mistake I made was not pulling off all the paper from the inside before installing. Some remnants are visible on the perimeter that I will have to remove with tweezers. Otherwise, they look great!
Thanks for sharing….and I was right…mine aren’t “that bad” :cool:

A few of the pointed tips are cracked off, and there is some crazing, but I can still see out!

Do (or did) any of your have an opening portlight? I have one on each side, but maybe it is in the most forward window section….I guess it is. Did you replace that one as well?

IMG_3830.png


Greg
 
Dec 29, 2014
48
Oday 272 Kentucky Dam Marina
I did not replace the port window. it is not see-through and as far as I know, there are no leaks or other aesthetic issues. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
 
Jun 1, 2007
272
O'Day 322 Mt.Sinai
Love to see photos. I am sure mine are due, but every time I put the windows in my ”cart”, I cringe a bit and tell myself that they aren’t that bad :cool:

Greg
I replaced 3 out 4 fixed windows, and replaced the plastic Beckson ports with some nice bronze ones from New Found Metals. Here's some pics. Took a few days, and was messy, but came out great! I just took some Brasso out to the boat today to get that polish back on the port lights! Rudy cut the holes out for me free of charge for the bronze port lights! Good man...
 

Attachments

Jun 1, 2007
272
O'Day 322 Mt.Sinai
Thanks for sharing….and I was right…mine aren’t “that bad” :cool:

A few of the pointed tips are cracked off, and there is some crazing, but I can still see out!

Do (or did) any of your have an opening portlight? I have one on each side, but maybe it is in the most forward window section….I guess it is. Did you replace that one as well?

View attachment 228328

Greg
I added pics you can see, and yes, I went with bronze ports. I also had some leaking from the forward starboard window, and not a drop since I replaced them!
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,249
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
I added pics you can see, and yes, I went with bronze ports. I also had some leaking from the forward starboard window, and not a drop since I replaced them!
Looks very salty! Nice work.