I own a 1982 H27. Just like with the rest of you, my Gray ports are at the point that I'm afraid to even breath heavily inside the cabin because every time I do they break, crack and leak more than they already do. I've searched the archives and have found the new parts and whole replacements from Pompanette and Beckson. However, It's not in my nature to spend $150 - $200 per window x 8 = $1,400ish on a boat that I have barely a little more than that in the original purchase price. Short of Waterproof tape and plastic wrap, have I missed something in the archives? Anybody have any other ideas up their sleeve?
Portlight replacement, only option new? Really?!
- Thread starter Hump Day
- Start date
If you are thinking about used or salvage the problem is that the ones you will find are also 30+ years old and are bound to be in the same condition as yours. I have not checked on the prices in a number of years and I'm as flabbergasted as you that a single portlight replacement is now $150-$200. It seems like since the recession everything has doubled in price and yet they claim that inflation is low. I'm familiar with Gray Industries as they are located here in Tampa and I used to get parts from them but since they Joined the Pompanette family I don't think they do factory retail sales anymore. The Store here in this forum carries their parts and components and the only thing I can recommend is that you do an inventory of the salvageable pieces in your boat and just purchase new those parts that are broken and useless.
I got lucky a few years ago and found 6 new old stock Grey lenses to replace mine (on E Bay) - only issue was the new ones where clear and my existing where smoked...but the price was right - I got all 6 for $75.00...wish I could have bought more now that I see the prices of new ones!
Even mine that are now only 4 - 5 seasons old are starting to go a little cloudy from UV exposure...
I have toyed with the idea of cutting out the lense portion leaving a 1/4" wide lip and then epoxying in a new lense cut from 1/4" thick lexan as the lips and edges of my old lenses are still OK...crazy idea but I may give it a shot at the end of this season....
Even mine that are now only 4 - 5 seasons old are starting to go a little cloudy from UV exposure...
I have toyed with the idea of cutting out the lense portion leaving a 1/4" wide lip and then epoxying in a new lense cut from 1/4" thick lexan as the lips and edges of my old lenses are still OK...crazy idea but I may give it a shot at the end of this season....
That is a pretty crazy idea. I don't think you could ever get a modified lens like that to truly seal up. I think you'd end up buying new lenses after you've done all that work. Plus, how would it end up looking? I've found new lenses for $60 each in the Ships Store here on SBO.com. New gaskets are available too. For you that may be worth it since you now have the newer frames. My frames are so brittle it's not worth changing out just the lenses. I'm frustrated with the whole mess at the moment. Tired of the leaks and ready to have a dry boat.... but, not at the current possible expense.
Bearsails,
There is a product called Flitz used with their polishing ball on a cordless drill will make your lenses clear again. I have also used a headlight restoration kit from any auto parts store. I just used the Flitz on my hatch lenses and it was quick and easy. You can find Flitz at WM or online.
Before you go removing and spending big bucks check the seal to see if it is petrified and has shrunk. That maybe where your leak is. Seal is available from this sites store.