[C320-list] Replace portlights

[Jeffrey Brown]

Wondering if anyone has replaced their portlights (the acrylic windows that don’t open on both sides of the boat above the galley.

Jeff Brown
949-350-5123

[Doug Treff]

Jeff,

I did find the following - one would assume the process is similar to the C34 / C36, but you should contact Catalina to get more information. Not much has been posted in our group tat I could find.

https://www.catalina36.org/sites/default/files/forum/Instructions_for_replacing_large_fixed_side_windows.pdf

Boatworks today has some good information as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQyjxVUskd8

--
Doug Treff
do...@treff.us

[Dave Hupe]

I replaced all 4 of my side, elongate  stationary acrylic windows on my 1994 C320 shortly after buying her in 2017.  I prepared an article with photos that was published in the Spring 2018 Mainsheet (page 28). 
I will be happy to email my original draft procedure with many more photos than were allowed for the magazine.  Just email me directly at hoop...@yahoo.com
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 (#32) 
Holland, MI

[Doug Treff]

The one thing I like about the Boatworks method is the VHB tape. Looks like it makes the job a LOT easier. Not that I would know, because I've never done this job. ;-)

--
Doug Treff
do...@treff.us

[Dave Hupe]

Having done this job, I do not recommend the VHB tape approach for these windows.  You will get a better, more secure seal using Dow 795 sealant. as recommended by Catalina and as discussed in the article I had prepared for the Spring 2018 Mainsheet magazine.

[Christian]

"You will get a better, more secure seal using Dow 795 sealant."

Though I haven't replaced the portlights, I've used Dow 795 when replacing
the lens in my salon hatch, and on the "G" gasket that had rotted on all 7
of my opening portlights. Haven't had a single problem with any since
using Dow 795. It's an amazing product. It was designed as a sealant on
skyscraper windows. Highly recommend it.
Christian Caperton
1994 C320 #138 "Canuck" Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL

[David Veeneman]

Hi Jeff—

I just replaced mine with the Lewmar lenses from Catalina Direct. My lenses were crazed, but the frames were okay. CD has two types of replacement; the Lewmars, and a custom-cut lens they call “the upgrade lens”. The upgrade is nice in that its tinting matches the deadlight tinting better than the Lewmar, but it is a little bit thicker, which for me resulted in not being able to close the latches completely. So I ended up going with the Lewmars, which work well.

BTW, if you are getting leaking around your portlights, and if you have an older model portlight with split-frames—an upper half-frame and a lower half-frame, you might try resealing the split between the upper and lower frame with some silicone sealant. I did it last winter, and it solved my leaks. I didn’t have to remove the frames—I was able to simply inject a little sealant between the two halves..

--
David Veeneman
SV Adelante, C320 #131
Dana Point, CA

[Diane Fowler]

Yes, I bought mine from Catalina- they are technically called

DEADLIGHTS

They come with beveled edges for perfect fit. I also bought special adhesive from Catalina for installation.

Captain Diane Fowler, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Nautical Realty Group, Inc.
Let me help make your sale a breeze.

239-850-4935
Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 19, 2020, at 3:33 PM, Doug Treff <do...@treff.us> wrote:
>
> Jeff,

[wd...@aol.com]

Any suggestions for proper attachment of spinnaker/whisker pole (track with car vs fixed ring?)
And regarding the opening main salon portlights- lenses in mine are totally shot with extensive crazing/cracks. Looks like they are the older variety which are part of a complete unit. I'm told by Catalina Direct the entire hatch must be removed/replaced...anyone have experience with that/suggestions?
Bill McConnellDIVERSION, #714 

[Mike Mellon]

Bill, as I recall, you can get new polycarbonate lenses from Lewmar or
have them fabricated yourself at a plastic shop (cut our shape and drill
holes for closing levers).

At least for my boat, #324 1996.

On the pole attachment to mast, I attached a 4 foot track so I could
adjust the height of the pole end, then a car with a ring.  I drilled
and tapped the holes and used Tufgel to insulated the SS screws from the
aluminum mast.

Best wishes,

Mike Mellon

--
Michael Mellon
45 Ortalon Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
mme...@cruzio.com
831-425-5583 Home

[Graeme Clark]

“ .... or have them fabricated yourself at a plastic shop (cut our shape and drill holes for closing levers.”

I had a friend with a CNC router made new ones for me. The basic shape and holes are easy enough but there is a shallow circular rebate to cut, behind where the body of the latch sits. The big advantage of having them made is you can choose the colour and degree of tint to suit your taste, requirements for privacy or climate!

Graeme

Sent from my iPad

[wd...@aol.com]

Thank you Graeme, Mike, Troy, etc. Always amazed at the wealth of info on this list. Bill