[Rhodes22-list] Fixed Ports

Tue May 26 21:13:15 EDT 2015

So my four fore ports have already been replaced, so i'm trying to get out
with the minimal work necessary, though I love the size of your
deadlights.  I also didn't realize the curve in the fiberglass until seeing
your photos.

I believe i'm going to try 3/16" or 1/8" plexiglass (not lexan) as it
should flex better for the hull curve.  I might also try heating the
plexiglass to match the hull curve, depending on pressure required for
holding in place for the cure time.

I'm seeing other posts about doing the double sided tape with silicon, but
i'm hesitant, seems to me making a silicon gasket, then using screws to
pull the plexiglass in tight after 24 hours of curing would improve the
seal drastically.  Based on my understanding of thermal expansion, on
individual deadlights the worst case thermal expansion for me would be
0.06" difference between the acrylic and fiberglass, so I wouldn't think
that would be a problem.

-- Curtis

On Mon, May 25, 2015 at 7:04 PM The Rhodes 22 Email List <
rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:

> 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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