Portlight Help Needed

[CptCrunchie]

Along with re-bedding all the portlights and hatches, I also need to know whether these lenses can be cleaned or if they need to be replaced. Does anyone know what brand these are, and where to get the lenses? Worse case, I have a bandsaw and can make them, but the cost would likely be in my favor to just buy them.

[Privilege]

It's difficult to tell from your photo what the damage is to the lens. If they are cracked or crazed, then they will need to be replaced. If it is surface damage and you can remove them, they can be sanded although it's time consuming. Start with a 240 grit (or whatever grit removes the damage) and work your way up to a buffing compound. Having said that, it's probably easier just to buy a small piece of acrylic and cut your own. It's certainly going to be a lot easier to replace the lens than to buy a new port light...those SS one's are EXPENSIVE.

[CptCrunchie]

Originally Posted by Privilege

It's certainly going to be a lot easier to replace the lens than to buy a new port light...those SS one's are EXPENSIVE.

Indeed they are.

I need to replace 12 lenses, so sanding ain't gonna happen. Unless I can find the replacement lenses, I am prepared to make them up.

[Suijin]

I would consider making them with a laminate/cabinetry router and a cutout bit with a roller bearing, using one of the old lenses as a jig. Much faster, less risk of screwing up, and a cleaner edge.

Rigid makes a good cabinetry router for @ $100.

[Cheechako]

Is it glass with moisture ingress or plastic?

[a64pilot]

I believe those are glass, specifically the same laminated glass that car windshields are made from.
They simply just push out if they are like mine.
Take them down to a glass supply house and ask them to cut a dozen just like this example out of laminated safety glass.

I’m pretty sure the plastic laminate has had some intrusion I guess you would call it, we have all seen it in old car windshields.

If they are like mine and they look identical, they are dead simple to replace.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I believe those are glass, specifically the same laminated glass that car windshields are made from.
They simply just push out if they are like mine.
Take them down to a glass supply house and ask them to cut a dozen just like this example out of laminated safety glass.

I’m pretty sure the plastic laminate has had some intrusion I guess you would call it, we have all seen it in old car windshields.

If they are like mine and they look identical, they are dead simple to replace.

That's what I was thinking...

[Checkswrecks]

I asked about changing glass in one of my fixed port lights at a regular glass and mirror shop. They didn't want to touch it for fear of messing up the frame, but said that the glass alone ought to be about $25-$35.

[CptCrunchie]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Is it glass with moisture ingress or plastic?

I'm not sure and the boat isn't here ....yet. Here is another window. It looks like they are laminated.

Still think I can buy just the lens, ....somewhere....

[Orion Jim]

Spartan Marine uses 1/4” tempered glass. I have eight of their opening ports which are 35 years old and all the glass is still perfect. I have had to change the neoprene gaskets once.
I would suggest you use the same glass.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by CptCrunchie

I'm not sure and the boat isn't here ....yet. Here is another window. It looks like they are laminated.

Still think I can buy just the lens, ....somewhere....

I am pretty sure you just open the window, then push put the glass, there is a metal channel with a big O ring in it, that holds the glass in just by friction.
Then take the glass to a glass shop and have them cut a dozen.

I just took one of mine apart and put it back together to show you.

The pattern on my glass is just plastic, like window tint

[CptCrunchie]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I am pretty sure you just open the window, then push put the glass, there is a metal channel with a big O ring in it, that holds the glass in just by friction.
Then take the glass to a glass shop and have them cut a dozen.Attachment 186381Attachment 186383

I just took one of mine apart and put it back together to show you.

The pattern on my glass is just plastic, like window tint

I will do that. Thank you!

[a64pilot]

It may have some form of sealant holding it in, so it may not just fall out, but look hard at it and I think you will see what I mean.
Mine are 32 years old and that one I took apart has some delamination around the edges, I was going to replace it but haven’t bothered yet.
Mine that has delaminated has the air conditioner blowing directly on it, so it sweats in Summer cause it’s colder then the air, I suppose that is why it delaminated.

Tempered glass will break just about as easily as regular glass, it just breaks into small pieces that are way less likely to hurt you, shower doors etc and all other windows on a car are tempered except the windshield.
The windshield is laminated AKA armored glass, it has the plastic in between two layers and will stay together even if smashed.
The staying in one piece as opposed to turning into glass gravel if broken is why I think laminated is better for port lights myself.

I think it’s way harder to get tempered glass custom cut, I’d think cutting it may make it shatter, and maybe it has to be cut first, then tempered, something I wouldn’t think a small glass shop could do, laminated glass can be custom cut, because where I worked we had the local glass shop cut all the windshields for the crop duster we made.

[CptCrunchie]

What do you think about bronze tinted Lexan?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXAN-SHEET...bq1d:rk:1:pf:0

The stuff is practically bullet proof, I can take it into my woodshed to make the lenses, and is readily available at an excellent price.

I'd likely even coat the inside with a UV reflective coating, though I'm not sure I need to.

[rbk]

A64’s correct. It usually has to do with using polysulphide sealant (or another type I can’t remember right now) bedding the glass, it attacks the plastic laminate in the middle causing it to ‘fog’ over. Re-bed with butyl, if a sealant was used you may have a hard time removing the glass without breaking it. They are strong but once leverage is placed on the glass as you remove them they tend to break rather than bend. Polysulphide and other sealants (again can’t remember) are not supposed to be used on plastics including lexan, acrylic etc but people regularly bed plastic with them and they more or less rot where sealant makes contact.