I am wanting to replace the ports (lights, windows) in my 1981 Catalina 30 because the glass (plexiglass) is spider cracking. Were can I obtain replacement ports that will fit my model of boat? Are darkened ports available? Thanks for you help.
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Clarification of ports
The ports that I am referring to are those on both sides of the cabin above the settees, and the port in the head, and above the cabin locker. These are the smaller ports. In my catalina these are fixed ports. Thanks for asking.
The ports that I am referring to are those on both sides of the cabin above the settees, and the port in the head, and above the cabin locker. These are the smaller ports. In my catalina these are fixed ports. Thanks for asking.
OK
On my C36 the originals are tinted, tempered glass. I had to replace one, and had an automotive glass guy in Worcester, MA, make one for me (he actually had to make it twice). It's not exactly the same tint, but its so close only I notice. I'm surprised yours are plexiglass. Are you sure? Have you tested it by tapping with a smooth metal object? Tempered glass will "clink," while plexi will "thump." The bottom line is that when I checked about 8 years ago, this part for my C36 was not available - Catalina couldn't supply the part nor identify the manufacturer for me. I highly recommend the tempered glass, but it will be a big and expensive job to replace them all that way. Plexi will be quicker and less money, but won't last nearly as long. Plexi will craze (spider cracks) because of unrelieved stress in the material, or excess solvent (as when gluing). Stress can come from cutting it. It is relieved via heat treating, i.e., stress relieving. This requires an oven with temperature/time automation. By the way, the scary part about installing the tempered glass is bending it to fit the contour of the coach roof, but it works.
On my C36 the originals are tinted, tempered glass. I had to replace one, and had an automotive glass guy in Worcester, MA, make one for me (he actually had to make it twice). It's not exactly the same tint, but its so close only I notice. I'm surprised yours are plexiglass. Are you sure? Have you tested it by tapping with a smooth metal object? Tempered glass will "clink," while plexi will "thump." The bottom line is that when I checked about 8 years ago, this part for my C36 was not available - Catalina couldn't supply the part nor identify the manufacturer for me. I highly recommend the tempered glass, but it will be a big and expensive job to replace them all that way. Plexi will be quicker and less money, but won't last nearly as long. Plexi will craze (spider cracks) because of unrelieved stress in the material, or excess solvent (as when gluing). Stress can come from cutting it. It is relieved via heat treating, i.e., stress relieving. This requires an oven with temperature/time automation. By the way, the scary part about installing the tempered glass is bending it to fit the contour of the coach roof, but it works.
Thanks for your response
I am assuming the ports are plexiglass because of the nature of the cracking; short parallel cracks throughout the glass that has become worse over the years. Nonetheless, I will try you tapping trick. So, it sounds as if I will need to keep the existing frames and replace the glass. That will be a bit of work, but then it is a boat afterall. I will look into both options you mentioned. Thanks again.
I am assuming the ports are plexiglass because of the nature of the cracking; short parallel cracks throughout the glass that has become worse over the years. Nonetheless, I will try you tapping trick. So, it sounds as if I will need to keep the existing frames and replace the glass. That will be a bit of work, but then it is a boat afterall. I will look into both options you mentioned. Thanks again.
Keep the frames
Yes, keep the frames. I am sure there's an article on this somewhere, but, in summary, in my experience with this on my 1984 C36, you are advised to get the "Aluminum Window Reseal Kit" from Catalina Direct, which includes new vinyl channel for both the glass to frame and internal frame applications, plus sealant. However, for the frame-to-boat interface I recommend using white or gray butyl tape, which is available at RV dealers.
Yes, keep the frames. I am sure there's an article on this somewhere, but, in summary, in my experience with this on my 1984 C36, you are advised to get the "Aluminum Window Reseal Kit" from Catalina Direct, which includes new vinyl channel for both the glass to frame and internal frame applications, plus sealant. However, for the frame-to-boat interface I recommend using white or gray butyl tape, which is available at RV dealers.
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