Ports on a H-23.5?

mmsailor · Jan 29, 2014

tallswede said:
Well, it's about time to start on some boat projects for spring and a big one I have is replacing the long window on the port side of my H-23.5. Awhile back while at a raft up my window got a bowsprit from a Catalina 27 punched through the Plexi or Lexan (not sure what it is). I've been sailing with it taped up and I'm tired of it. I had thought of just cutting the hole out and installing an opening port in it for more ventilation while at anchor but the window cracked vertically all the way across this winter so now I will definately have to replace it. My question is, what is this window made of and what is the best adhesive to put it back in with. A local glass shop says they can cut it for me if I bring the original in for a template so we need to know the material. I hope to be able to pre-bend the plastic before installing maybe with a little heat and carefully bending to the right curve. What do ya'll think?

Kevin

Some years ago I bought the window and adhesive to install from the store here for our 23 . I know your boat is different and newer but mine was a messy job . Once done it looked like new , good luck

kito · Jan 29, 2014

It's not glass......plexiglass will bend. If you heat it, it will probably ruin it or at least make for fuzzy viewing. If it were me putting in a fixed window, I would use butyl tape and then seal around the outside seam with a small bead of Dow 795.

caverun · Jan 29, 2014

There are 2 files in this directory on the Marlow-Hunter web site that should help. Deck window installation and resealing plexiglass...
http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Miscellaneous/

kito · Jan 30, 2014

I thought the plexiglass was sealed and then screwed every 6 inches or so like others I seen...my bad. Didn't know it was only glued on.

Forrest15112 · Jan 30, 2014

The sealant is Dow 795 and the front port os the only one that needs to be bent. Mine looks like they anchored it with a few screws into oversized holes to hold inplace until the sealant set. I don't think it needs to be pre-bent. It looks to be only about 1/8" thick. I'm about to replace mine with UV protected acrylic sheeting. Would love any advice from anyone who has done this. It's one of those "once you start, you must finish it" projects.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jan 31, 2014

The very front window to many is basically plexiglass or for better lack of terms an acrylic piece of plastic. Never heat it nor use acetone on it. The best for cleaning is use of alcohol.

When removing the window, make sure you clean all the caulk out and lightly sand the are recessed in. Corning Dow 745 is the sealant to use but in the past I also use pure architectural grade 100% silicon from Ace which worked too. When putting the new window in, make sure that you use the sealant all the way around. Some were screwed into place to pull the window down. If there are any screws, check them to make sure if not stripped out. You may have to go to the next size. Sometimes, I covered the window placing a cover over it using some weight on the ends to help bend it. Make sure you allow enough time to dry and suggest leaving it in place overnight.

The next was to tape around the outside of the space or inset and the glass itself and them applied sealant to the small canal and again let it dry overnight. To smooth out, I use to use my finger dipped in alcohol constantly getting a smooth surface.

again, never use any other solvents other than alcohol in clean up. I hope this helps.
See if this site's store sells the window as a full sheet is very expensive.