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Ripples · 01-03-2012, 10:25

1. In the first two pic's are of the deck of my 1962 columbia C29. What options do I have to remedy the crazing and pitting?

2. The portlights are off color and crazed on the outside. Anyone ever buff out their lights or are they to the point of replacing?

Thanks

Cheechako · 01-03-2012, 10:40

That looks like you will need a new paint job. the windows can be renewed so not foggy and faded, but I dont think that will get rid of the crazing in them.

Ripples · 01-03-2012, 10:46

Should the cracking and pits be filled with some material or sanded out? If so what would be suggested?

Sailmonkey · 01-03-2012, 10:50

the cracking and pits are just the gelcoat meeting it's end. the only solution is to prep, fair, sand, paint.

As far as the ports, Plexi is relativly cheap and easy to cut. Buy some new smoked pieces and replace the existing. Smoked looks great and keeps the cabin a touch cooler

Cheechako · 01-03-2012, 10:54

Maybe Minaret or one of the experts will chime in, but I would think extensive sanding, hi build primer etc will be needed.

Bash · 01-03-2012, 11:55

I've buffed old portlights out, and found that they don't last long before fogging up again. Probably a better use of your time to replace the port.

**roverhi** · 01-03-2012, 12:24

Do not use Windex or other window cleaners on plexiglass. Crazing is the reward. You could try aircraft canopy/plastic window renewers available at pilot specialty stores but yours are probably too far gone.

You can 'V' the deck cracks with a tool like a Beer Can Opener, if there is still such a thing, or carefully widen them with a grinder and fill with epoxy with a filler or MarineTex. I've found that if the cracking is extensive it's best just to grind off the gelcoat. I started out filling the cracks on the last boat but the cracks kept coming till I got rid of the too thick gel coat. It's not too bad a job with Sander/Polisher, 3,000 rpm or less, and a foam pad. 80 grit paper removes a lot of material quickly. The foam pad helps to keep from gouging. The lower rpm works best as the higher speeds create a lot of heat and melt the class instead of sanding it. If the cracks are shallow/gelcoat thin, a high build primer may do the trick.

**Ex-Calif** · 01-03-2012, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by roverhi

Do not use Windex or other window cleaners on plexiglass. Crazing is the reward. You could try aircraft canopy/plastic window renewers available at pilot specialty stores but yours are probably too far gone.

You can 'V' the deck cracks with a tool like a Beer Can Opener, if there is still such a thing, or carefully widen them with a grinder and fill with epoxy with a filler or MarineTex. I've found that if the cracking is extensive it's best just to grind off the gelcoat. I started out filling the cracks on the last boat but the cracks kept coming till I got rid of the too thick gel coat. It's not too bad a job with Sander/Polisher, 3,000 rpm or less, and a foam pad. 80 grit paper removes a lot of material quickly. The foam pad helps to keep from gouging. The lower rpm works best as the higher speeds create a lot of heat and melt the class instead of sanding it. If the cracks are shallow/gelcoat thin, a high build primer may do the trick.

I ahve successfully refinished airplane plexiglass. The advice to get a proper kit is a good one.

The scary part is starting with 400 grit wet and dry on plexi. It looks terrible in the interim stage. By the time you get to 1600 it looks pretty good.

I've done both airplane and glider canopies that weere "sandblasted" by California's high desert.

In terms of work, if it is not a specialty shape and only "glued" in, cutting new pieces may be faster. It takes a lot of patience to do a good job on a crazed plexi.

Cheechako · 01-03-2012, 17:20

[QUOTE=roverhi;899184]Do not use Windex or other window cleaners on plexiglass. Crazing is the reward." is this true? I always used windex or ammonia and water. Dont know that i had any appreciable crazing issues, at least that i didnt inherit! But, always willing to learn something.

**roverhi** · 01-03-2012, 21:07

I've been told that by a lot of people who deal in plastics. When I went in to buy the plexiglass to replace the cracked and crazed windows in my most recent boat, they took one look at the old windows and immediately said Windex because of their condition.