I'm planning to take "Strider" far enough offshore at times that the original Beckson ports aren't strong enough to be safe. I can't face the cost and work of replacing all 10 of them with metal. Besides, most of my trips will be northeast to cold waters and climate and the plastic ports won't sweat.
My plan is to make Lexan covers for each port that attach with four screws to put over them for operation offshore or in heavy coastal conditions. Because of the protruding spigot inside the trim ring, I'll need to make a second plastic ring, the shape of the trim ring, but thicker. The force of any wave impact will then be carried directly to the house side structure.
Linen & Things is closing in Portland, last day Sunday, 28 December. I went out to look for plastic cutting boards at cheap prices thinking those would make good spacer rings. Appearance isn't too important as these covers will only be used offshore.
All the kitchen stuff was gone and they were down to just things like sheets and pillow cases in odd colors. I was about to leave when I noticed the sign saying that all the store fixtures were for sale. Right there were several large bins for pillows about 8 x 4 feet with clear plastic sides and dividers about chest high. For 40 bucks, I now have a huge supply of clear plastic, probably acrylic. There is enough 3/16" to make all the spacer rings and enough 3/8 to make all the covers. There is also a good bit of 1/2" which is wide enough the smaller ports or to use for some other project.
If any of you are near Portland, you might want to go out and take a look this weekend. There is a lot of plastic out there and it's just going to get cheaper. I would have waited except that I have to go to Boston tomorrow.
BTW does anyone have any tips or recommendations on the best kind of saw for working Acrylic?
My plan is to make Lexan covers for each port that attach with four screws to put over them for operation offshore or in heavy coastal conditions. Because of the protruding spigot inside the trim ring, I'll need to make a second plastic ring, the shape of the trim ring, but thicker. The force of any wave impact will then be carried directly to the house side structure.
Linen & Things is closing in Portland, last day Sunday, 28 December. I went out to look for plastic cutting boards at cheap prices thinking those would make good spacer rings. Appearance isn't too important as these covers will only be used offshore.
All the kitchen stuff was gone and they were down to just things like sheets and pillow cases in odd colors. I was about to leave when I noticed the sign saying that all the store fixtures were for sale. Right there were several large bins for pillows about 8 x 4 feet with clear plastic sides and dividers about chest high. For 40 bucks, I now have a huge supply of clear plastic, probably acrylic. There is enough 3/16" to make all the spacer rings and enough 3/8 to make all the covers. There is also a good bit of 1/2" which is wide enough the smaller ports or to use for some other project.
If any of you are near Portland, you might want to go out and take a look this weekend. There is a lot of plastic out there and it's just going to get cheaper. I would have waited except that I have to go to Boston tomorrow.
BTW does anyone have any tips or recommendations on the best kind of saw for working Acrylic?
