[Rhodes22-list] Fixed Ports

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

Curtis:

I am planning to do as you suggest - apply smoked Plexiglas with special
double-sided tape and glazers sealant. I have done the research and made the
window pieces, figured out a clamping system and obtained the materials. I
hope to be installing the windows in a few weeks once other repairs are
finished - and I get up the nerve. The best set of instructions for this
that I have found on line is here:
http://www.thecoastalpassage.com/windows.html .

Total material costs for Plexiglas, tape and sealant is about $300 Canadian
which probably means about half that in the US.

This is my second try. First time was about in about 1993 when I did
everything wrong. Those were the pre-internet days for me. I used the wrong
sealant (silicone), attached the glass snug with screws, and used Lexan
rather than acrylic Plexiglas, to name only a few mistakes. Thermal
expansion eventually resulted in the Lexan breaking at the screw holes and
the silicone leaked. I also used clear Lexan that I painted black on the
inside. The paint peeled. Even so, it lasted about 10 years without serious
issues.

I chose to make one window for each side rather than three. Three windows
reduces the expansion factor and might make installation easier but I like
the looks of the single piece.

This time I will try it without using any hardware. The adhesive tape is
supposed to be as strong as the hardware and allows for thermal expansion.
The problem is that the sides of the cabin is a complex curve. While the
tape is tenacious I want have a system to clamp the panels in place while
the tape and sealant cure. I have experimented with clamping systems both
complex and simple and settled on the simple one. It works in dry runs but
whether it will work once the tape and sealant is applied is something to be
learned from experience - and I hate learning from experience as it is
almost always bad experience. I have attached some pictures of the clamping
system I intend to use. If you want more information just ask. I also
attached a picture of the boat with the previous Lexan windows just so you
can get an idea of what it looks like.

If you are wondering what the ring is that the clamp is attached to, that is
the new chainplate I have installed to replace the old ones. I assume
something similar could be rigged using the original chainplates.

If you are interested, I will let you know what happens - when I get up the
nerve.

Graham 



-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of The Rhodes 22 Email
List
Sent: May-25-15 2:20 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Fixed Ports

Has anyone replaced the 4 fixed portlights recently?  I'm at the point where
its necessary (all four leak, and the black plastic is cracking).

I'm having issues finding replacements of the same size.  Cutout hole size
measures 5" x 11.75".  I saw the post from two years ago mentioning Beckson,
but they don't offer my size.

Based on the cost i'm seeing if I had to enlarge the existing holes, i'm
tempted to just replace the outside trim/window and gluing on some smoked
plexiglass or lexan.

Any suggestions?

--
Curtis
Havre de Grace, MD
s/v "Ruck It"
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