Paying Someone to Replace Portlights

[notz]

Hi folks,
I am pretty handy, but have tried the last 3 years to build up the confidence to replace some very leaky portlights in my boat. I have tried smaller projects involving fiberglass and the like, and am just not cut out for it.

Does anyone know if there are folks in the Seattle area that would do this sort of work? I have 6 that need to be completely replaced on a 30' sailboat, so it's not a massive job...

Thanks

[xymotic]

Originally Posted by notz

Hi folks,
I am pretty handy, but have tried the last 3 years to build up the confidence to replace some very leaky portlights in my boat. I have tried smaller projects involving fiberglass and the like, and am just not cut out for it.

Does anyone know if there are folks in the Seattle area that would do this sort of work? I have 6 that need to be completely replaced on a 30' sailboat, so it's not a massive job...

Thanks

Lol, there's LOTS of people in Seattle that can do it. But they ain't gonna be cheap My suggestion would be to call NewFoundMetals in Port Angeles (or West Marine) and see if they can recommend someone.

Also, not really a good outdoor winter project... Just sayin

[notz]

Originally Posted by xymotic

Lol, there's LOTS of people in Seattle that can do it. But they ain't gonna be cheap My suggestion would be to call NewFoundMetals in Port Angeles (or West Marine) and see if they can recommend someone.

Also, not really a good outdoor winter project... Just sayin

I didn't expect it to be cheap. I've had a bit of water damage as a result, and would rather not have to replace something else because I don't fix this

I had talked with folks from New Found Metals a couple of years ago and they didn't have any great suggestions. I'll try again.

[ssanzone]

if you are resigned to paying to have it done, any good yard can do the work.

you may have good luck on craigslist or around a marina for a general boat handyman. for my portlights, i needed someone with good fairing skills, moderate carpentry and good general marine construction experience.

gl.

-steve

[xymotic]

* Welcome to Crawford Mobile Fiberglass Repair, providing fiberglass services in Tacoma, Washington. Cory's a pretty good guy, dunno if he travels up to SEA or not.

[Krogensailor]

Look up Peter Zwick. Don't have his number but he's the man. He was on Bainbridge Island.

[Suijin]

You might want to try just one and see how it goes. It is a labor/time intensive project that does not require any specialized skills, just time and patience. After one of them you'll either have the knowledge and confidence to do the rest, or confirmation that it is not for you.

If you size up your portlights a bit you won't have to worry about fiberglass finish work. All you will really need to do is cut out the new opening, dig out any decayed core wood (hello dremel/multi/grinder), fill it with thickened epoxy, and install the new ports.

This is one of those things that to hire someone that you're confident will do it well would probably cost you $75/hr (your mileage may vary depending on location...I'm in the sailing gouging capital of the world, Annapolis) and be 4-5 hours or more per port light. Another option, which I am partial to, is hiring someone to consult on a project and do one, then do the rest myself.

[Jim Cate]

Isn't Charlie Cobra in that area? He offers good (damn good) hourly rates at his yard, and I think that I remember him offering discounts to CF members.

Cheers,

Jim

[Snore]

Perhaps it is my frugality coming out.... But why change the port lights??

If they are leaking because of poor bedding, rebed. If they are leaking at the gaskets, replace the lens first and if that does not work THEN replace the gaskets.

My Tartan had 3-4 leaky Beckson port lights that were badly crazed. . I almost took the hit and installed new ones. Instead I bought 6 lenses and got a deal on some parts. 3 hours in labor spread over a few days and the boat SMELLS drier despite some very significant rain and some hard sailing.

Suggestion is to take the portlight that leaks the worst and replace the lense as well as clean or replace the gasket. You might be pleasantly surprised and ahead a few thousand.

Cheers

Bill

[Paul L]

Here's some detailed instructions on putting in NFM ports, very well illustratedInstalling New Found Metals Stainless Portlights Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com.

[minaret]

Wow, no one noticed this thread is two years old! Bet those port lights were replaced long ago...

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by minaret

Wow, no one noticed this thread is two years old! Bet those port lights were replaced long ago...

Dang! I usually check on that. BTW, Minaret, are you retired officially as of now, or should I have mentioned you as well?

Cheers,

Jim

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Dang! I usually check on that. BTW, Minaret, are you retired officially as of now, or should I have mentioned you as well?

Cheers,

Jim

Oh, very much so, thanks. No time for other boats...