To O'day Sailors: I am the owner of a 1979 O'Day 22. My view ports in the cabin are becoming clouded over and need to be replaced. I am shy about trying this without knowing just how the things were put together in the factory. It seems that the view ports on my 22 footer are very similar to view ports on other O'Day models of that year or other years close to 1979. The details and parts seems to have been used across the model line which makes sense. I removed the interior trim ring which surrounds the view port opening and is held in place with about 16 little screws. The inner trim ring has a profile like a quarter sphere and hides the view port frame. Once removed it, I saw the view port frame, apparently glued to the outer cabin / deck fiberglass skin. There was a gap between the view port frame and the inner cabin liner skin. I saw no fasteners holding the frame to the cabin outer skin. The frame looks to be glued to the outer cabin skin and is not connected in any way to the inner cabin liner. I presume the vision panel is glued to the frame from the outside. The outer trim ring is set against the cabin top skin and the vision panel and is very low in profile, almost flat. It's held without any screws as mentioned before. I am not sure how to remove the outside trim ring without either damaging it or destroying it beyond repair. Has anyone out there been more brave than I and removed and replaced their windows? I really would like to correspond with those individuals and hear more about the process, pitfalls and successes. Your kind help is appreciated! Sincerely, Stu Timm "Karakahl" 1979 O'Day 22 CB Centerport, NY
Replacing Windows
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Replacing Windows (attachment included)
Replacing Windows To O'day Sailors: I am the owner of a 1979 O'Day 22. My view ports in the cabin are becoming clouded over and need to be replaced. I am shy about trying this without knowing just how the things were put together in the factory. It seems that the view ports on my 22 footer are very similar to view ports on other O'Day models of that year or other years close to 1979. The details and parts seems to have been used across the model line which makes sense. I removed the interior trim ring which surrounds the view port opening and is held in place with about 16 little screws. The inner trim ring has a profile like a quarter sphere and hides the view port frame. Once removed it, I saw the view port frame, apparently glued to the outer cabin / deck fiberglass skin. There was a gap between the view port frame and the inner cabin liner skin. I saw no fasteners holding the frame to the cabin outer skin. The frame looks to be glued to the outer cabin skin and is not connected in any way to the inner cabin liner. I presume the vision panel is glued to the frame from the outside. The outer trim ring is set against the cabin top skin and the vision panel and is very low in profile, almost flat. It's held without any screws as mentioned before. I am not sure how to remove the outside trim ring without either damaging it or destroying it beyond repair. Has anyone out there been more brave than I and removed and replaced their windows? I really would like to correspond with those individuals and hear more about the process, pitfalls and successes. Your kind help is appreciated! Sincerely, Stu Timm "Karakahl" 1979 O'Day 22 CB Centerport, NY
Replacing Windows To O'day Sailors: I am the owner of a 1979 O'Day 22. My view ports in the cabin are becoming clouded over and need to be replaced. I am shy about trying this without knowing just how the things were put together in the factory. It seems that the view ports on my 22 footer are very similar to view ports on other O'Day models of that year or other years close to 1979. The details and parts seems to have been used across the model line which makes sense. I removed the interior trim ring which surrounds the view port opening and is held in place with about 16 little screws. The inner trim ring has a profile like a quarter sphere and hides the view port frame. Once removed it, I saw the view port frame, apparently glued to the outer cabin / deck fiberglass skin. There was a gap between the view port frame and the inner cabin liner skin. I saw no fasteners holding the frame to the cabin outer skin. The frame looks to be glued to the outer cabin skin and is not connected in any way to the inner cabin liner. I presume the vision panel is glued to the frame from the outside. The outer trim ring is set against the cabin top skin and the vision panel and is very low in profile, almost flat. It's held without any screws as mentioned before. I am not sure how to remove the outside trim ring without either damaging it or destroying it beyond repair. Has anyone out there been more brave than I and removed and replaced their windows? I really would like to correspond with those individuals and hear more about the process, pitfalls and successes. Your kind help is appreciated! Sincerely, Stu Timm "Karakahl" 1979 O'Day 22 CB Centerport, NY
Not too difficult
Stu - You have the picture just about right. I removed and rebedded the windows on my 1978 O'22 a few years back. I don't recall exactly how the plexi is attached to the frame. I seem to recall that the plexi was permenantly attached to the frame. Assuming the 1979 is similar, here is what I recall about removing and reinstalling mine. I took off the inside trim ring with all those little screws. This is essencially the only mechnical fastener for the window. The rest is held on by a bedding compound. Once the trim ring is off, use a sharp flexible putty knife to cut the bedding compound that seals the outer section of the window to the cabin. It should then just pop out. If they are in decent shape and you're careful, the ports should come out without damage. Hope that they are not bedded with 5200. Next clean up the fiberglass by removing all the old bedding compound. Also gently clean out the old sealant from the frames. Use a new sealant that is compatible with the plastic frame - I used some clear household silicone 10 years ago and it's still water-tight. Test fit, the add generous bead of sealant to the frame. Press in place and attach the inner trim ring, but don't tighten all the way. Wipe up any excess that oozed out on the outside, and smooth for form a good seal. Let cure and then tighten the inner ring to make a tigher seal. If you need to replace the plexi I would recommend getting new windows from Rudy at D&R Marine - he has the replacements in both clear and smoked plexi, sold in pairs. Hope this helps, Brad 1978 O'22 s/v Little Oob
Stu - You have the picture just about right. I removed and rebedded the windows on my 1978 O'22 a few years back. I don't recall exactly how the plexi is attached to the frame. I seem to recall that the plexi was permenantly attached to the frame. Assuming the 1979 is similar, here is what I recall about removing and reinstalling mine. I took off the inside trim ring with all those little screws. This is essencially the only mechnical fastener for the window. The rest is held on by a bedding compound. Once the trim ring is off, use a sharp flexible putty knife to cut the bedding compound that seals the outer section of the window to the cabin. It should then just pop out. If they are in decent shape and you're careful, the ports should come out without damage. Hope that they are not bedded with 5200. Next clean up the fiberglass by removing all the old bedding compound. Also gently clean out the old sealant from the frames. Use a new sealant that is compatible with the plastic frame - I used some clear household silicone 10 years ago and it's still water-tight. Test fit, the add generous bead of sealant to the frame. Press in place and attach the inner trim ring, but don't tighten all the way. Wipe up any excess that oozed out on the outside, and smooth for form a good seal. Let cure and then tighten the inner ring to make a tigher seal. If you need to replace the plexi I would recommend getting new windows from Rudy at D&R Marine - he has the replacements in both clear and smoked plexi, sold in pairs. Hope this helps, Brad 1978 O'22 s/v Little Oob
just did it yesterday
Stu - I agree with Brad that you have it correct. My windows did not just pop out as the bedding compound has a "suction effect". starting at one end, gentle, consistent pushing from inside the cabin broke the bond. I chose to replace using bedding compound. I seem to get better results than silicone - but I think it is just personal preference. The actual window appears to be molded into the frame. Two of mine looked sound the other two were a bit loose. I did not see a way to take the entire thing apart to fix. I am going to try sealant here and or epoxy injected into the seem as new windows are a bit pricey for my '79. One other thing I noticed is that the inner ring seemed to be a bit brittle...perhaps due to aging. Be carefuyl to not overtighten those little screws as the frame can crack. Good luck.
Stu - I agree with Brad that you have it correct. My windows did not just pop out as the bedding compound has a "suction effect". starting at one end, gentle, consistent pushing from inside the cabin broke the bond. I chose to replace using bedding compound. I seem to get better results than silicone - but I think it is just personal preference. The actual window appears to be molded into the frame. Two of mine looked sound the other two were a bit loose. I did not see a way to take the entire thing apart to fix. I am going to try sealant here and or epoxy injected into the seem as new windows are a bit pricey for my '79. One other thing I noticed is that the inner ring seemed to be a bit brittle...perhaps due to aging. Be carefuyl to not overtighten those little screws as the frame can crack. Good luck.
clearing the fog
Here is a link to a place with a kit for cleaning portlights https://www.micro-surface.com. You may also want to try "Mother's aluminum and mag wheel cleaner" first (cheaper) and some kind of acrylic sealant after unclouding with the cleaner. Try cleaning/removing scratches first if portlights are not leaking.
Here is a link to a place with a kit for cleaning portlights https://www.micro-surface.com. You may also want to try "Mother's aluminum and mag wheel cleaner" first (cheaper) and some kind of acrylic sealant after unclouding with the cleaner. Try cleaning/removing scratches first if portlights are not leaking.
try to clean them
Stu: There are number of products in the boating catalogues that deal with foggy/scratched plexiglass material. Usually it is two separate products; one to remove scratches or fog and the other to polish. I have used the products with some good (not perfect) results and recommend you try it. Also the folks who make Windex make a plastic cleaner which is very good. It is a cloudy, thin liquid which sprays on like regular Windex and is buffed clean with a soft cloth. This is a great product for maintaining already undamaged plastic. Look on the Windex web site for store locations as it isn't available everywhere. Know that all plexiglass scratches and fogs over time but it doesn't affect it's strength. Regards, Mike S/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron
Stu: There are number of products in the boating catalogues that deal with foggy/scratched plexiglass material. Usually it is two separate products; one to remove scratches or fog and the other to polish. I have used the products with some good (not perfect) results and recommend you try it. Also the folks who make Windex make a plastic cleaner which is very good. It is a cloudy, thin liquid which sprays on like regular Windex and is buffed clean with a soft cloth. This is a great product for maintaining already undamaged plastic. Look on the Windex web site for store locations as it isn't available everywhere. Know that all plexiglass scratches and fogs over time but it doesn't affect it's strength. Regards, Mike S/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron
Check Archive for Info
Earlier this spring, I participated in a detailed thread on refurbishing the port light's acrylic or how to replace them. If you check the archives, search on acrylic or Plexiglas; this might help you. The lights are built as complete assemblies, not designed for replacing only the acrylic window. Two cautions: 1) The exterior vinyl ring ages and becomes brittle - if cracked it is wise to replace the light; 2) Do not bed the light with anything other than silicone. Doing otherwise will ensure that you have to replace the ports when they need rebedding (they will) and the job, normally very easy, will be long, tedious and expensive.
Earlier this spring, I participated in a detailed thread on refurbishing the port light's acrylic or how to replace them. If you check the archives, search on acrylic or Plexiglas; this might help you. The lights are built as complete assemblies, not designed for replacing only the acrylic window. Two cautions: 1) The exterior vinyl ring ages and becomes brittle - if cracked it is wise to replace the light; 2) Do not bed the light with anything other than silicone. Doing otherwise will ensure that you have to replace the ports when they need rebedding (they will) and the job, normally very easy, will be long, tedious and expensive.
Port window spline/gaskets, Screens
My ports are endlessly anoying because of leaking.They are all opening ports, an old brand called PYHI. The main problem seems to be that the port spline or gasket that surrounds the ports is worn.I tried soaking them in WD 40 and it helped a bit to give them some some life but they still leak. I have removed a couple and recalked them. Still did not help the interior leaking. The ports measure 14" X &1/2 and 10" 1/4 X 4 1/2 I also need screens for half of them. Any sugestions on repalcement parts? there are too many windows to repalce. I ordered a set of Beckson gaskets but they were too large. Any suggestions.
My ports are endlessly anoying because of leaking.They are all opening ports, an old brand called PYHI. The main problem seems to be that the port spline or gasket that surrounds the ports is worn.I tried soaking them in WD 40 and it helped a bit to give them some some life but they still leak. I have removed a couple and recalked them. Still did not help the interior leaking. The ports measure 14" X &1/2 and 10" 1/4 X 4 1/2 I also need screens for half of them. Any sugestions on repalcement parts? there are too many windows to repalce. I ordered a set of Beckson gaskets but they were too large. Any suggestions.
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